Environmentalism is a political and ethical ideology that seeks to improve and protect the quality of the natural environment through changes to environmentally harmful human activities. It advocates for the sustainable management of resources, and the protection and restoration of the natural environment through conservation and green politics. Environmentalists are often involved in advocacy, education, and activism around issues such as pollution, climate change, deforestation, and endangered species.
The roots of environmentalism can be traced back to the 19th century with the Romantic movement in literature and art, which celebrated nature and warned against the dangers of industrialization. This was followed by the conservation movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, led by figures like John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt, which sought to preserve natural resources and wildlife in the United States.
The modern environmental movement began in the mid-20th century, spurred by increasing scientific understanding of the environmental impacts of human activity. The publication of Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" in 1962, which highlighted the dangers of pesticide use, is often cited as a key moment in the birth of modern environmentalism. The first Earth Day, held in 1970, marked another significant milestone, mobilizing millions of people and leading to the creation of major environmental legislation in the United States.
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, environmentalism has become increasingly global and political in nature. The 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change are examples of international efforts to address environmental issues. Environmentalism has also become a significant political ideology, with green parties and politicians advocating for environmental issues in many countries.
Despite its growth, environmentalism has faced criticism and opposition from those who believe it impedes economic growth or infringes on human rights. However, with the increasing urgency of issues like climate change, it remains a significant and influential political ideology.
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