Environmentalism

Environmentalism refers to the broad social and political movement advocating for the protection and preservation of the natural environment through sustainable living practices and conservation policies.

Early Beginnings

Modern environmentalism emerged in industrializing 19th century Europe, which saw early environmental legislation in response to rampant pollution, including Britain’s Alkali Acts (1863) to regulate water pollution. However, it was the 1960s-70s that saw a major evolution in public awareness and activism around environmental issues.

The Modern Environmental Movement

The 1962 publication of marine biologist Rachel Carson’s seminal book “Silent Spring” represented a major turning point, spotlighting the disastrous impacts of pesticides on wildlife populations and questioning the practice of releasing chemicals without understanding wider ecological and health consequences. This sparked major public concern in America.

Observance of the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 mobilized over 20 million Americans to demonstrate in support of environmental reform. This mounting pressure catalyzed major policy action, including the 1970 creation of the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Global Growth

Global momentum accelerated through the 1970s-90s via international cooperative efforts like the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment and the 1987 Montreal Protocol to tackle atmospheric ozone depletion. Grassroots green political parties and movements also arose in Europe, New Zealand and developing countries.

Types of Environmentalism

Modern environmentalism encompasses diverse philosophies and approaches. Some key philosophies are as follows:

Conservation Environmentalism

Conservation environmentalism focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources and preservation of biodiversity through tools like national parks and protected areas.

Deep Ecology

Deep ecology emphasizes the interconnectedness of all organisms and advocates for fundamentally reforming human values and behaviors towards a more eco-centric worldview.

Ecofeminism

Ecofeminism recognizes the intersection of environmental issues and gender inequality, advocating for an equitable, just and sustainable society that respects both human rights and nature.

Challenges Facing the Movement

While environmentalism has impacted policies and behaviors globally, key challenges remain:

• Political Opposition: Environmental reforms often clash against industries and leaders focused predominantly on economic growth over conservation.
• International Cooperation Issues: Tackling global issues like climate change is hindered by difficulties in aligning national interests, priorities and climate policies worldwide.
• Over-reliance on Technical Solutions: Environmentalism is also critiqued for over-prioritizing technical remedies while ignoring underlying social and economic drivers degrading the planet.

Recent Examples of Environmentalism

• Fridays for Future movement: Inspired by Swedish student Greta Thunberg, the Fridays for Future movement has seen millions of students worldwide striking from school and protesting for climate action. This powerful youth movement spotlights intergenerational justice.
• Plastic Pollution Initiatives: Environmental efforts against plastic pollution have increased recently, including companies pledging to reduce single-use plastics, plastic bag bans, and consumer shifts towards reusable products.
• Green New Deals: Green New Deal proposals have emerged as a policy blueprint for transitioning societies to renewable energy and promoting sustainability as an economic opportunity. Versions exist at both US and European levels.
• Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaigns: Activist campaigns have urged organizations, pension funds and governments to divest assets from fossil fuel holdings as a tactic for delegitimizing the industry and advocating for climate mitigating policies. Over $40 trillion has been divested to date.
• Legal Rights for Nature: The Rights of Nature movement seeks legal recognition of ecosystems and natural communities as rights-bearing entities entitled to protection and restoration – with success stories like New Zealand granting personhood status to the Whanganui River.
• Indigenous Environmental Activism: Indigenous groups worldwide have been at the forefront of environmental activism including high profile protests like Standing Rock against the Dakota Access oil pipeline threatening sacred lands and water resources. Their activism spotlights nature’s sanctity.