ClimateAugust 17, 2026
tokenism
TOH-kuh-niz-um
Definition
The practice of making only a perfunctory or symbolic effort to do something, such as appearing to address an issue like climate change, to give the appearance of fairness or compliance.
Etymology
The word is derived from 'token,' referring to a small, symbolic sign or object, combined with the suffix '-ism.' It gained prominence in the 1960s to describe superficial actions taken to satisfy demands for diversity or reform.
In the news
The pilot describes the aviation industry's climate change efforts as tokenism, suggesting their actions are superficial gestures meant to appease public concern rather than create substantive environmental change.
Aussie pilot quits his job after 42 years due to climate change fears
Read the full article ↗Daily Mail