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The Earth is our home, but have we treated it as such? Climate change, pollution, and deforestation are just a few of the environmental issues we face. Amidst these challenges, we find amazing people who have dedicated their lives to environmentalism.
Many amazing individuals who become environmentalists, come from all walks of life – scientists, politicians, activists, and everyday citizens. They share a common goal: to protect the planet and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
But what is the definition of environmentalist, and what do they do? An environmentalist is someone who advocates for the protection of the natural world and works towards creating a more sustainable future. They can come from a variety of backgrounds and professions, including science, politics, and activism.
In this article, we address environmentalism, different types of environmentalists, and the incredible contributions made by environmentalists from around the world. We also examine the challenges and successes of environmentalism and discuss the future of the movement.
From inspiring trailblazers like Jane Goodall and Greta Thunberg to everyday heroes making a difference in their communities, environmentalists are proof that we can make a positive impact on the world around us. So, join us on our journey to discover the many amazing people who are defining what it means to be an environmentalist. And learn how you, too, can become an environmentalist and make a difference.
Different Types of Environmentalist
The different types of environmentalists include:
Apocalyptic Environmentalists
Apocalyptic environmentalists have the mindset that, due to climate change, the Earth has a bleak look and existing environmental policies will result in catastrophe. They often emphasise rising waters and deforestation rates as support for this outlook.
Greta Thunburg is an example of an apocalyptic environmentalist, who is characterised by a strong desire to enact change as swiftly as possible on a global scale.
Emancipatory Environmentalists
Emancipatory environmentalists are hailed as the innovators of recycling, alternative energy usage, and decentralising social and economic planning. They have been around since the 1970s and are forward-thinking regarding how society can move towards a greener future. Their idea is to be free from traditional methods of supporting society, like relying on solar energy instead of fossil fuels.
Free Market Environmentalists
Free market environmentalists pair environmentalism with free trade. First emerging in 1991, free market environmentalism promotes the idea that free markets can safeguard the market against climate change by using property rights and tort law to encourage organisations to absorb production costs and better conserve resources.
Evangelical Environmentalists
Evangelical environmentalists believe they have a duty to protect Earth and its creatures. Although they don’t see climate change as a human problem, they believe God willed it. They often take up emancipatory environmentalism to give something back to nature.
Preservation and Conservation Environmentalists
These types of environmentalists believe that the key to mitigating their carbon footprint is by using resources thoughtfully. They prefer to rely on traditional means of energy– like fire, air, or solar– and often live rurally rather than in a city.
Famous Environmentalists
There are many amazing people who have become environmentalists. They come from a variety of backgrounds and educational fields, and some were already famous before becoming environmentalists.
Wangari Maathai (1940–2011)
Political Activist and Environmentalist, Wangari Maathai was a woman from Kenya. After studying biology in the United States, she returned to Kenya to start a career in environmental and social activism.
Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, which, by the start of the 21st century, had successfully planted over 30 million trees. She provided numerous environmentally-friendly job opportunities, and secured firewood for some of the most rural communities in Kenya. Then she joined hands with women-led conservation groups to protect their local environments and improve their overall quality of life.
Wangari Maathai was elected to Kenya’s parliament with 98% of the vote and was appointed Assistant Minister in the Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources. In 2004, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize while continuing to fight for women, the politically oppressed, and the world.
John Muir (1838 – 1914)
Agriculturalist and Environmentalist John Muir was called the father of national parks, and he paved the way for modern forest conservation efforts.
Throughout Muir’s life, he contributed to establishing some of the most well-known national parks in North America. Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park were two. His belief was that all wild spaces should be preserved to admire and enjoy.
Due to Muir’s amazing efforts, nearly 400 national park service sites exist today in America.
Jane Goodall
Scientist and Environmentalist Jane Goodall, the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, is one of the most well-known environmentalists.
In 1977, Jane established the Jane Goodall Institute. It is a global non-profit organisation that focuses its efforts on both animal welfare and environmental conservation. And it seeks to craft a unified, respected, and mutually beneficial relationship between animals, humans, and the environment.
The Institute also has a youth action programme called Jane Goodall Roots and Shoots. The programme encourages children and young teenagers to educate themselves on the benefits of protecting the environment.
Goodall’s resilience has positioned her as a large contributor to how the modern world views environmentalism. This determination of hers has rightfully earned her several recognitions, awards, and honours. In 2019, Time Magazine featured her on the Time 100 list.
Rachel Carson (1907 – 1964)
Ecologist and Environmentalist Rachel Carson was an author, scientist, and ecologist who grew up in the rural river town of Springdale, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Pennsylvania College for Women (now Chatham University). Then she studied at the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, and received her MA in zoology from John Hopkins University in 1932.
Due to her extensive knowledge and deep passion for the environment, Carson was hired by the US Bureau of Fisheries to pen radio scripts during the Depression. This kickstarted her fifteen-year career in the federal service as an ecologist and editor, and, in 1936, she was promoted to editor-in-chief for all publications published by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
She courageously spoke out about the chemical industry and has been applauded for changing the way people across North America view hazardous waste.
Al Gore
Former Vice President of the United States and Environmentalist, Albert Arnold Gore Jr. is an American politician, businessman, and well-known environmentalist. He served as the 45th vice president of the United States from 1993 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton. And he is said to have been deeply inspired by reading Rachel Carson’s book, Silent Spring, with his mother when he was a young adult.
In 1993, Al Gore was one of the first politicians in the world to publicly speak out against the rapidly-oncoming dangers of climate change if left unchecked. Since then, he spent decades calling for actionable steps to be made towards a greener future.
“The majority of scientists have been telling us for years that the long-term warming trend greatly increases the odds that any given year will produce a much larger number of 100-degree days. And that trend has been borne out over the last several years. We’ve seen records broken with regularity.” Gore said.
Long after Gore’s time in office ended, he continued to speak in public about the need for positive climate action. And he prompted many organisations across North America to make actionable changes.
Greta Thunberg
Social Activist and Environmentalist, Greta Tintin Eleonora Ernman Thunberg is a Swede who has been widely acclaimed for challenging world leaders to take immediate action to slow climate change. At the tender age of 15, Greta persuaded her parents to adopt lifestyle choices that reduced their own carbon footprint.
The young Thunberg first made headlines in 2018 when she skipped school to protest outside the Swedish parliament buildings about climate action. Her actions are widely acclaimed as the reason why the modern youth know and are passionate about environmentalism. After 2018, her powerful influence was dubbed The Greta Effect, which prompted climate protests in 163 countries.
In addition to her environmental work, Greta has worked to raise awareness surrounding Asperger syndrome. It is a condition she was diagnosed with before she was eight years old.
While acknowledging that Asperger’s hampered her development in some ways, she encouraged others to look at it in a positive light.
“I have Aspergers and that means I’m sometimes a bit different from the norm. And—given the right circumstances—being different is a superpower.”
Great has been an inspiration to millions of people young and old.
Environmentalism and Its Challenges
Environmentalism faces numerous challenges, including political opposition, lack of funding, and conflicting interests. The clash between economic development and environmental protection has been a major stumbling block. And In some parts of the world, there may also be cultural barriers to environmentalism–such as in China.
Some examples of environmental issues unique to certain regions include;
- deforestation in the Amazon rainforest,
- water scarcity in parts of Africa and the Middle East, and
- the melting of permafrost in the Arctic.
Areas like India, on the other hand, contain 18% of the world’s overall population on just 2.4% of its land and. As such, it faces:
- consistent water shortages,
- deforestation, and
- pollution.
All of which make environmental policies difficult to implement.
- In developed countries, environmentalism is viewed as a necessary venture.
- While in developing countries, it is seen as a luxury only the top percentage can afford–especially when many are suffering from homelessness or famine.
The Future of Environmentalism
Despite the challenges environmentalism may face globally, its successes and general positive outlook far outweigh the hurdles some countries face.
- In Canada, Ottawa is aiming for 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035 to acheive a 20% reduction in electric vehicle prices and make them more affordable to the average Canadian
- New Zealand is set to completely phase out single-use plastics
- And the UK’s “Build Back Greener” initiative works to decarbonise all sectors of the UK economy to meet their net zero target by 2050
Because of the crucial role environmentalism plays to shape a sustainable future, each country must do its part. Although each countries resources are different, if we work together, amazing things are possible.
Final Thoughts
Environmentalism is more than just a movement: it is a way of life. It is about recognising the Earth is a precious and finite resource we must protect for the sake of everyone. The environmentalists we have studied in this article have shown us that anyone, regardless of their background or expertise, can make a difference in the fight for a sustainable future.
From Rachel Carson’s ground-breaking book Silent Spring to Wangari Maathai’s tree-planting campaign in Kenya. The contributions of environmentalists have had a ripple effect across the globe. They have sparked change and inspired countless others to take action.
But the work is far from over. Climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss threaten Earth, and we all have a responsibility to do our part.
In closing, we encourage you to reflect on what you can do to become an environmentalist in your own right. Whether it’s reducing your carbon footprint, supporting environmental organisations, or advocating policy change, every action counts.
So take inspiration from the amazing people we have learned about and join them to fight for a sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference and leave a better world for generations to come.
The World’s future depends on it.