Environmental movement

Levels of air pollution rose during the Industrial Revolution, sparking the first modern environmental laws to be passed in the mid-19th century.

The environmental movement (sometimes referred to as the ecology movement), is a social movement that aims to protect the natural world from harmful environmental practices in order to create sustainable living.[1] Environmentalists advocate the just and sustainable management of resources and stewardship of the environment through changes in public policy and individual behavior.[2] In its recognition of humanity as a participant in (not an enemy of) ecosystems, the movement is centered on ecology, health, as well as human rights.

The environmental movement is an international movement, represented by a range of environmental organizations, from enterprises to grassroots and varies from country to country. Due to its large membership, varying and strong beliefs, and occasionally speculative nature, the environmental movement is not always united in its goals. At its broadest, the movement includes private citizens, professionals, religious devotees, politicians, scientists, nonprofit organizations, and individual advocates like former Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson and Rachel Carson in the 20th century.

  1. ^ McCormick, John (1991). Reclaiming Paradise: The Global Environmental Movement. Indiana University Press. ISBN 978-0-253-20660-2. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  2. ^ Hawkins, Catherine A. (2010). "Sustainability, human rights, and environmental justice: Critical connections for contemporary social work". Critical Social Work. 11 (3). doi:10.22329/csw.v11i3.5833. ISSN 1543-9372. S2CID 211405454. Archived from the original on 5 March 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023.