Adam and the trouble in paradise

Interview, Sept, 1996 by David Helvarg

DAVID HELVARG: Tell me about the Sierra Club. What's your mission?

ADAM WERBACH: A large part of our job is to point out to the American people the politicians who can be trusted, versus the ones who are taking money from the very industries that benefit from relaxing the standards in place to protect our air and water. My personal goal is to mobilize young people.

DH: You've said things like, "Celebrate your TV, go on-line with the environmental message, use the new media."

AW: With the new creative communication techniques, people can get messages quicker and learn faster. The trick is getting messages of substance across. We're looking at telling stories [via television and the Internet] about people who are making a difference in their communities and at how music can be used to get people thinking about the environment.

DH: So you're optimistic about actually getting stuff done instead of just talking about it?

AW: The number-one threat to the environment is apathy, and we believe that bringing in people like Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys or Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers [who is a Sierra Club member] can make young people want to get involved.

DH: Because of your age, some skeptics wonder whether your election was simply a symbolic one to reach young people.

AW: [laughs] I don't think anyone who knows me thinks I'm a prop - I'm not bland enough for that.