These days, as a society, we have become numb to certain facts about our planet: “Climate change could be irreversible by 2030," “more than one million species face extinction," and “our oceans are dying." This is the current state of our world. It's easy to lose hope in the face of these things, but the goal of this article is to help you understand the history of environmentalism, what going green is today, the challenges and opportunities that come with addressing the environmental problems the world faces, and how to navigate sustainability in everyday life. Fighting for our planet can be difficult, but it is with hope that this article will guide you in the first steps forward.
Historical Perspectives on Environmentalism
The history of environmentalism started in the 19th century with Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau was an American writer whose most famous work was Walden, though he published more than 20 volumes of work. Thoreau’s most influential works were his writings on environmentalism. He explored modern approaches to ecology, environmental history, and the idea of waste and a person's needs. This was the first jump in environmentalism, or “going green." Others involved in the growth of the environment include John Muir and the creation of the Sierra Club in 1892. And Theodore Roosevelt in 1905 with his advocacy of national parks. Another notable mention is Rachel Carson and her book Silent Spring in the 1960s, which brought attention to the pollution crisis that the earth was facing. Rachel Carson is a big reason why we have “going green“ initiatives and why we believe in and fight for a greener future.
There have been milestones in environmental awareness throughout history, specifically legislation that shaped ecological consciousness. Legislation like The First Earth Day (1970), The Clean Air Act (1970), The Clean Water Act (1972), and The Paris Agreement (2015). The First Earth Day was a push towards modern environmental awareness and activism. The Clean Air and Clean Water Acts were legislation aimed at controlling the air and water pollution the United States faces. The Paris Agreement is an international movement focused on decreasing the effects of climate change.
In the early stages of environmentalism, we were more focused on conservation, keeping, and preserving the natural resources we had. Initially, environmental concerns were more local; it was only in the past few decades that we moved environmentalism to a global scale. In the past, environmentalism was considered a “single issue” problem, but now it has expanded, coupling more than one environmental problem and creating an overarching answer to problems. We have a more sustainable look at environmentalism these days, encouraging people to use less or use eco-friendly items.
Challenges and Opportunities
There are many challenges that the planet faces. One of the more known issues is climate change. Caused by the rising temperatures caused by the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. Climate change can lead to widespread impacts like more severe heat waves, droughts, and storms. Another environmental issue that the planet faces is biodiversity loss. Human actions like deforestation, pollution, and overexposure to natural resources have caused major losses in habitats and species and have even destroyed ecosystems. Lastly, another major issue is pollution. By polluting the air, earth, and waters with their technology, humans are responsible for destroying animal habitats and ecosystems. Some forms of pollution have been known to affect humans themselves. Specifically, those with respiratory problems and other health problems.
Not all hope is lost. Technology has made progressive waves in fixing and controlling environmental problems. We've created technology to use renewable sources of energy, like solar panels, windmills, hydroelectric dams, and nuclear reactions. Humans have also improved transportation by creating electric vehicles.
Navigating Sustainability in Everyday Life
A person can make many personal choices to have a more “going green” lifestyle. One saying that you've definitely heard before is reduce, reuse, recycle. A practice you can incorporate into your life to improve your life. Conserving energy, eating sustainably, and reducing your water usage are all choices you can make to improve your environmentalism in everyday life. These may seem difficult, but it only takes a step in the right direction to make small waves of change.
Conclusion
While our environmental challenges may seem daunting, there is hope for a greener future. By understanding the history of environmentalism, embracing sustainability, and taking action in our daily lives, we can make a meaningful difference. From visionary leaders like Henry David Thoreau to landmark legislation such as the Clean Air Act and the Paris Agreement, progress has been made. Technological innovations offer further hope, with renewable energy and green technologies leading the way. Our personal choices, from reducing consumption to supporting sustainable practices, also play a crucial role. Every small step we take matters, and together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. Let's continue to work towards a world where the beauty of nature is preserved for all to enjoy.