Environmental activism

Potter, Gary (2025) Environmental activism. In: Elgar Encyclopedia of Environmental Crime :. Elgar, Chemtenham, pp. 298-305. ISBN 9781803923826

Abstract

Environmental activism encompasses the collective efforts of individuals, groups and organisations to protect, preserve and restore the natural environment from the damage caused by human activities. It involves advocating policies, practices and behaviours that promote the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources and the prevention and reparation of anthropogenic (or human-caused) environmental harm. Environmental activists are driven by a deep concern for the planet’s well-being and believe in the importance of collective action to combat environmental challenges. Environmental activism takes many forms, covering a variety of activities ranging from political engagement, litigation and education through civil disobedience, direct action and – at its most extreme – violent resistance, directed at individuals, institutions and systems deemed most responsible for causing environmental harm. With historical roots dating back at least to the 19th century, environmental activism has become more widespread, more visible and more controversial as environmental problems themselves have become more pressing across the late 20th and early 21st centuries.