Tompkins a CIA Operative? I Don’t Think So

Doug Tompkins is coming under fire once again in Argentina for his efforts to protect the environment. As most of you know, Doug and his wife, Kris Tomkins (former CEO of Patagonia), are buying large pieces of undeveloped land in Argentina and Chile in hopes of preserving the wild landscapes and ecosystems for future generations as national parks. For more background, please read Kris’ essay on Patagonia.com and then visit Conservacion Patagonica.

What makes this article unique is the language being used to describe Tompkins’ efforts. Could Doug actually be a CIA operative? Is he really a new-age imperialist gringo? Of course not, but I can see how his actions might be misunderstood. Doug and Kris’ preservationism might not be truly appreciated until more pristine Chilean and Argentinian landscapes are overdeveloped, industrialized and polluted — a sad thought indeed.

Check out the article and let us know how you feel about this issue in the comments.

Eco-millionaire’s land grab prompts fury

[Via Guardian Unlimited]