ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS AND CITIZEN RIGHTS

I propose a model for the development of citizen rights based on the a dvance of political and social rights and apply it to contemporary cla ims regarding environmental rights. In terms of this ''claims and atte nuations'' model, I sketch the roles of environmental philosophers and activists, the media and public opinion, and political insiders in th e development of positive rights. I then predict a weakening of enviro nmental claims and a marginalization of environmental philosophies as environmental claims are secured as positive rights.