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Environmental Movement

Definition

The environmental movement is a social and political movement that seeks to improve and protect the quality of the natural environment through changes to environmentally harmful human activities.

Analogy

Think of the environmental movement like a group of doctors for the Earth. Just as doctors diagnose illnesses, recommend treatments, and promote healthy habits to keep our bodies in good shape, activists in the environmental movement identify threats to our planet, advocate for policies to address these issues, and encourage sustainable practices.

Related terms

Conservation: This refers to efforts aimed at preserving natural resources by managing their use and protection.

Sustainability: This term describes practices that meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It's about balancing economic growth with preservation of natural resources.

Climate Change: This refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. The biggest cause is human activity such as burning fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas – which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.