Environmental activism

The information and experiences shared here come from activists Hryhorii Terentiev (founder and head of the youth environmental organisation)

“Earth Time” in Belarus) and Tetiana Hendel (environmental journalist, activist and writer). So let's take a closer look at what eco-activists do and how they influence the world!

Contents

• Who are eco-activists?
• How did it all begin?
• Types of eco-activism
• Why does eco-activism matter?

If you care about the environment and want to learn more about eco-activism, this article is for you!

Who are eco-activists?

Eco-activists are ordinary people who want to solve particular environmental problems. As a rule, such groups and organisations are set up by people working in social, scientific, political or conservation fields.

The ideology behind these people is the search for solutions to environmental problems. They may be united by global issues (climate change), or they may come together to tackle local problems, starting with their own courtyard or neighbourhood.

For example, the world-famous organisation Greenpeace initially focused on the issue of nuclear testing in the United States. They had a fairly narrow specialisation, but gradually took on new tasks and eventually spread their work across the globe.

How did it all begin?

It was the 1960s. This was environmentalism — the name comes from the English word “environment”. The main goal of such activists is to protect and improve the natural world around us. Interestingly, back in the sixties activists believed in apocalyptic environmentalism. Its idea was that the Earth was on the very brink of extinction and that the point of no return had long since been passed.

But ten years later, in the seventies, everyone grew tired of despair. And a new idea emerged — emancipatory environmentalism. It was this movement that influenced international politics, and environmental protection officially became one of the goals of the international agenda.

Types of eco-activism

Environmental activism is divided into types only conditionally. In reality they are all intertwined, though each has its own features.

Political eco-activism, aimed at reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Most often this work influences changes in laws and regulations directly related to climate change. For example, in 2005 fifty different European NGOs formed a coalition called “Stop Climate Chaos”.

Conservation work. Its goal is to protect natural resources, plants and animals. A good example is when eco-activists in Costa Rica protested against the construction of a dam on a local river. They commissioned research from scientists showing that if the dam were built, it would drastically alter the region's ecosystem and affect 250 different species of birds, reptiles and mammals. They managed to prevent this disaster.

Environmental justice. This movement focuses mainly on the fair distribution of environmental benefits and on solving the problem of environmental discrimination. Most harmful facilities (factories, waste processing plants) are located in areas where poor people live. The right to a healthy environment has been recognised as a basic human right.

Ecological modernisation. The idea is that economic growth makes sense if it is directed towards ecology. This approach holds that the economy and the environment can be brought together through economic productivity.

Fighting environmental terrorism. Environmental terrorism means actions that damage the environment with a single purpose — to harm people through it. Statistically, contaminating water is the most widespread form of environmental terrorism. It is very often used in armed conflicts.

Why does eco-activism matter?

• Environmental activism raises awareness of the ecological situation in the world. Every year more and more people start to realise that humanity has a direct impact on the environment.
• It shapes laws aimed at protecting the environment. In the 2009 European Parliament elections, the Greens won 74 seats. This shows that people have become more willing to support “green” politicians.
• It changes attitudes towards architecture and construction. Most architects now plan buildings with the awareness that harming the environment will land them in legal trouble.
• It educates people through meetings, projects and books. When doing this, it is vital not to frighten people but to encourage them and explain how the state of the environment is being improved right now.
• It pushes companies towards green production. Consumers set the trend: the more we buy of a certain product, the more of it will be made.
• It stimulates alternative energy. The main goal is to find viable alternative forms of energy. The conflict between technological development and environmental protection has to be resolved.
• Conservation initiatives. Eco-activists can develop eco-trails and cycling routes. Thanks to ecotourism, a person can rest and let go of stress.
• Waste recycling. Eco-activists always advocate reuse. Whatever does not decompose (plastic, glass) needs to be sorted.

So each of us can help keep our planet healthy and clean, even through small actions. Do you practise eco-activism? Share your experience in the comments.