“Allowing for suburbanization of California's ranches and farmlands would still allow for strong protections of California's truly natural areas like Yosemite, the redwoods, and oak woodlands and green spaces near cities.”

American political activist and writer, born in Colorado

Michael D. Shellenberger is an American political activist and writer associated with ecomodernism. Born in Colorado, he earned degrees in peace and anthropology in the 1990s and later became known for his heterodox views. After founding public relations firms, he co-founded the ecomodernist think tank Breakthrough Institute in 2003. His writing and commentary have drawn criticism from scientists and others for errors in reporting, his stance on climate change, and what some have described as anti-green contrarianism.