The doomsayers, and naysayers, all get to speak their piece to support their point of view. Environmentalists see the rapid decline of the planet's resources, wildlife, and environment as good reason to sound the alarm bells. They proclaim loudly that water is becoming scarce, that the air is becoming un-breathable and that the atmosphere is eroding. A massive extinction is in progress and if we don't move now, everything will be lost. It's happening and we must do everything we can to prevent it.
Economic progress is the ultimate standard that measures success.
Economic progress is good for everyone and should be as widespread as possible. Many people think that the battle is hopeless. The corporate giants will likely steamroller any opposition to their push for global markets, aided by the governments that want a cut of the take. You can't blame an environmentalist for feeling a little down. It always seems to be one step forward, two steps back.