The chapter introduces the concept of the issue-attention cycle, which refers to the pattern of public attention to a particular issue over time. In this case, the issue-attention cycle is a theory that describes how public awareness of a specific issue goes through a cycle of stages. The initial stage is the problem, where the issue must still be recognized as a problem (Michael Mayerfeld Bell et al., 2020). The second stage is the alarmed stage, where the issue is identified as a problem and attracts public attention. The third stage is the decline stage, where public attention and concern decline. The fourth stage is the post-problem stage, where the issue is no longer seen as a problem. Hire Professional Essay Writers

Additionally, the issue-attention cycle applies to concerns about environmental issues because environmental problems often follow this cycle (Michael Mayerfeld Bell et al., 2020). For example, in the 1960s and 1970s, there was a serious public concern about environmental issues, such as pollution and conservation. This was the alarmed stage. However, by the 1980s, public attention and Concern about environmental issues had declined, and the issue was no longer seen as a problem. This was the decline stage. In recent years, there has been a renewed public interest in environmental issues, particularly climate change. This is the alarmed stage once again. (Order for Homework Help)

Detractors have claimed that the environmental movement is a "liberal, white, affluent" concern. There is some truth to this claim in this case, but it is not entirely accurate. Environmental issues affect people of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds, and many environmental justice movements have been led by people of color and low-income communities. However, it is also true that the conventional environmental shifts has historically been controlled by middle-class of white individuals (Michael Mayerfeld Bell et al., 2020). This is due, in part, to the fact that environmental activism requires time, money, and resources that are often more available to those with higher levels of privilege. In addition, the mainstream environmental movement has often prioritized conservation over social justice, which has alienated some communities most affected by environmental issues.