In order to be an effective critic, one must understand how the reality one is criticizing (i.e. what is) deviates from the normative (i.e. what ought to be).

My experience is that those who look to emphasize the good news and positive visions, often merely shrink from effective engagment with the political and economic powers and institutions that shape what is (and those that must change to realize the vision) .

Te be an honest and effective critic and social change agent, requires not only a solid normative sense (i.e a vision) but the courage and integrity to take on the powers that be – something I see almost completly lacking in the environmental movement.

And although I haven’t read the book, the “vision” you present seems heavy on individualize consciousnesses and awful light on collective action and social and political movement.