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As we face increasing challenges, understanding the history of the environmental movement becomes ever more critical. The movement has evolved in response to a range of issues, from concern about natural resource depletion to climate crisis.
Since the movement began, passionate individuals and groups have worked tirelessly to protect the Earth from an early demise. Join me on a journey through time as we explore the most significant moments and figures in the history of the environmental movement.
From the influential activism of the 1970s to ground-breaking innovations of today, we examine key factors that shaped the movement. Buckle up, get ready to be informed, and explore the captivating and crucial history of the environmental movement.
Origins of the Environmental Movement
The connection between humans and their environment precedes recorded history. The earliest philosophers and scribes debated the relationship between people and the natural world. Ancient religions such as Taoism and Shintoism taught that humans have a duty to care for their environment.
First Nations in the Americas developed a respect for their environment and a spiritual connection to the land. Humans have always had an intrinsic understanding that the Earth must be respected, nurtured, and preserved. It is still evident among those who depend on the natural world for their survival. The indigenous peoples of North and South America are a good example, as are island peoples reliant on fishing.
But as nations developed, the connection eroded and with it the respect the Earth demands. The industrial revolution and the rise of modernity must have addled our brains. It seems Mother Nature became a commodity to be exploited for short-term gain. Sadly the trend continued for nearly two hundred years.
Early Concerns About Natural Resource Depletion
The first stirrings of the environmental movement came in response to growing concerns about natural resource depletion. As living conditions in the developed world increased, there were concerns resources needed to sustain the lifestyle may be limited.
Looking across the countryside as it transformed daily, Thomas Robert Malthus wrote in 1798:
“The power of population is indefinitely greater than the power in the earth to produce subsistence for man.”
Malthusianism, warned against the dangers of overpopulation and its effect on resources.
Many environmentalists consider Malthus’ warnings prescient, as we face an unprecedented challenge to preserve finite natural resources.
19th Century Conservationists
By the 19th century, depleted resources elevated concerns over food shortages to a wider appreciation of the value of nature.
Gifford Pinchot wrote,
“Conservation means the wise use of the earth and its resources for the lasting good of men.”
This became the cornerstone of conservation.
Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir were two of the most influential figures in 19th-century environmentalism. Together they championed the protection of natural landscapes. Roosevelt created five national parks to protect some of the greatest wildernesses in the United States from exploitation. Muir campaigned tirelessly against deforestation. The Sierra Club, John Muir’s legacy, was established in 1892 and has over 750,000 members worldwide.
20th Century Activists
The environmentalist movement transitioned from philosophers and essayists to activists. The 1960s and 70s saw the emergence of a new breed of environmentalists willing to take direct action to protect the environment. The talking continued as the talkers became doers.
The most famous example is the activist group Greenpeace, founded in Canada in 1971. The group determined to stop a nuclear test on Amchitka Island in Alaska. And it gained international notoriety for taking direct action, such as the Rainbow Warrior protest against French nuclear testing in New Zealand.
The success of Greenpeace galvanised the environmental movement and provided a template for other activist groups to follow.
Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring
Greenpeace – and other activists like them – likely would have never existed without the work of one woman: Rachel Carson.
Her 1962 book Silent Spring, which detailed the dangers of synthetic pesticides, was a watershed moment in the history of environmentalism.
Carson’s powerful rhetoric sparked a wave of public outrage and catalysed an unprecedented level of activism against what many saw as unchecked corporate abuse of nature.
The Book’s Purpose
Carson was not the first person in the history of the environmental movement to caution against the use of pesticides. In 1945, Edwin Way Teale wrote,
“ninety per cent of all insects are good, and if they are killed, things go out of kilter right away.”
She tried, unsuccessfully, to warn the public in much the same way for years until finally releasing Silent Spring.
The book called out the chemical industry for its overuse of pesticides and other toxic substances, which Carson argued devastated wildlife populations and human health.
It turned a mirror to humanity’s hubris and the expectation that technology is infallible and can be used to solve any problem.
Impact on the Public and Government
The resulting uproar led to legislation such as the US Clean Air Act (1963 and 1970) and the ban on Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, commonly known as DDT, first in the United States in 1972, then in Britain in 1986. DDT was banned worldwide in 2001 by the Stockholm Convention.
Creation of the Environmental Protection Agency
The book also led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970, which was tasked with regulating and protecting the environment.
On its website, the agency explains that the
“EPA today may be said without exaggeration to be the extended shadow of Rachel Carson.”
Without it, perhaps something else would have brought the world’s attention to environmental issues, but it is hard to imagine a more powerful and timely wake-up call than Silent Spring was.
The First Earth Day and Beyond
Two years before the EPA came into existence, Gaylord Nelson, a former Senator from Wisconsin, created the first Earth Day.
He wanted to bring environmental issues into the political sphere and thus organised massive public demonstrations in April of 1970. It was an unprecedented success, as 20 million people participated across America.
The Creation of Earth Day in 1970
Ten years later, Nelson would write about his efforts, explaining that his primary objective was
“to show the political leadership of the nation that there was broad and deep support for the environmental movement.”
Gaylord Nelson
Even he did not expect the level of success that Earth Day achieved.
The event was a pivotal moment for the environmental movement, not just in America but worldwide. It highlighted the need for urgent change and helped increase public awareness of environmental issues.
Mass Mobilisation and Activism
The 1970s saw a dramatic increase in mass mobilisation and activism. Millions of people took to the streets to support environmental causes.
From the anti-nuclear movement of the late 70s to protests against deforestation and climate change, citizens of the world were determined to push for positive change. In Britain, The Ecologist published A Blueprint for Survival in 1972, which would inspire the manifesto of the Ecology Party, now known as the Green Party.
All over the world, citizens began to understand the importance of sustainable living and environmental stewardship – and came together to demand it.
Environmental Legislation Passed in the 1970s
Nelson saw the impact of his efforts in the decade following the first earth day. In the US, several landmark legislative reforms were passed, including the:
- Clean Air Act (1970)
- National Environmental Policy Act (1970)
- Water Quality Improvement Act (1970)
- Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act (1972)
- Endangered Species Act (1973)
- Safe Drinking Water Act (1974)
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (1976)
- Toxic Substances Control Act (1976)
These and other legislative reforms were crucial steps in the fight for environmental protection. They provided a legal framework for action and incentivised companies to reduce their environmental impact.
Challenges and Controversies
As with anything important, the history of the environmental movement is filled with challenges and controversies. Not everyone has been in favour of the movement and its goals.
The Rise of Climate Change as a Major Issue
In the 1980s and 1990s, climate change emerged as a major issue. Scientists learned more about how human activities impacted the Earth’s atmosphere and how it would lead to catastrophic consequences if left unchecked.
But many people were sceptical of the science and some resisted changes that challenged their economic interests. The debate over climate change continued, and some people still don’t accept the overwhelming evidence and scientific consensus that negative human activities cause global warming.
Debates About the Role of Government Regulation
On any topic, there is a spectrum of opinions. In the case of the environmental movement, one debate has been about how much government regulation should be used to protect natural resources and ecosystems.
Drastic legislation, for instance, can result in lost jobs and economic hardship for those affected. But without strong legislation, many argue that corporations and individuals will continue to exploit the environment for their gain with little regard for long-term consequences.
Criticisms of the Movement’s Tactics and Goals
Environmentalists are sometimes criticised for focusing on a narrow range of issues and for prioritising certain causes over others. Some argue that the movement should focus on social justice to create a more equitable world rather than simply protecting the environment from degradation. And some aggressive activists have faced criticism for their tactics.
For instance, some, affiliated with the Earth Liberation Front, engaged in arson and property destruction to make a statement about environmental issues. It is an approach that many see as counter productive.
Recent Developments and Future Directions
There have been significant advances in the environmental movement since the 1970s. We have a good understanding of how human activities are impacting the planet and, as a result, governments around the world have passed legislation to protect natural resources and reduce pollution.
The Growth of Environmental Organisations
The environmental movement has seen an explosion of grassroots organisations working to promote sustainability and protect the Earth.
From charities like the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) to smaller local initiatives such as community gardens and beach clean-ups, thousands of passionate people are coming together to make a difference.
Larger organisations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) do their part, leading the charge on global environmental initiatives.
Increased Focus on Intersectionality and Social Justice
The critiques about environmentalism’s narrow focus have been heard and responded to. There is now a greater recognition of the need for intersectionality in the movement, where social justice and environmental concerns must be addressed together.
The climate crisis cannot be solved without considering race, gender, class, and other factors influencing access to resources and power dynamics. This shift in focus has helped bring attention to underrepresented groups who are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation.
Innovations in Technology and Policy Solutions
The environmental movement has seen a slew of technological advances, from renewable energy sources to electric cars. We are now more aware than ever of the need for sustainable solutions and have access to an array of policy options that can help us reduce our carbon emissions.
What’s more, governments worldwide are now adopting ambitious climate targets and implementing policies to achieve them. While the success of The Paris Agreement can be debated, it is a sign of progress and a reminder that governments are beginning to understand the importance of climate action.
Final Thoughts
As we come to the end of our journey through the history of the environmental movement, it is obvious the fight to safeguard the planet and ensure a sustainable future is far from over.
From the early conservationists who first sounded the alarm about resource depletion to modern climate change activists, the movement has faced many challenges and undergone many changes.
Passionate individuals and groups have worked tirelessly to protect future generations. As we look ahead, I can see both reason for hope and reason for caution. While the growth of environmental organisations, innovative technology and new policies provide cause for optimism, much work needs to be done.
We must be vigilant in holding governments and corporations accountable for their environmental impact. And we must live in harmony with the planet. Only through sustained effort and dedication can we hope to create a sustainable future for all living things.
Let us learn from the lessons of the past and the opportunities of the present to move forward with renewed determination to protect the world and build for the future.
FAQs
What is the environmental movement?
The environmental movement is a social and political movement that seeks to protect the natural world from degradation and destruction caused by human activities.
Who are some of the key figures in the environmental movement?
The history of the environmental movement includes key figures, such as Rachel Carson, the author of Silent Spring; John Muir, the founder of the Sierra Club; and Wangari Maathai, the founder of the Green Belt Movement.
What are some of the major achievements of the environmental movement?
Some of the major achievements of the environmental movement include the creation of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the passage of landmark environmental legislation such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, and the mobilisation of millions of people to raise awareness about environmental issues.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the environmental movement today?
Some of the biggest challenges facing the environmental movement today include climate change, the need for international cooperation on environmental issues, and the role of government regulation versus voluntary action by corporations.
What can individuals do to support the environmental movement?
Individuals can support the environmental movement in many ways, such as reducing their carbon footprint, supporting environmentally friendly businesses, advocating for policy change, and volunteering to work with environmental organisations.