Definition

1. Noun:
   • The activity of protecting the environment: "Environmentalism" refers to the organized activity aimed at protecting the natural world from pollution, destruction, and other harmful human impacts.
   • A philosophical doctrine: "Environmentalism" also refers to the theory that a person's environment, rather than their heredity, is the primary influence on their intellectual development and behavior.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Activity):

  • Her lifelong environmentalism led her to campaign for cleaner rivers.
  • The company's new policy reflects a growing trend toward corporate environmentalism.

• Noun (Philosophical Doctrine):

  • The psychologist's research supported the principles of environmentalism over nativist theories.
  • Early 20th-century debates often pitted environmentalism against theories of genetic determinism.

Advanced Usage

• "Radical environmentalism": A form of activism that employs or advocates for more confrontational or direct-action tactics to achieve environmental goals.

  • The group's radical environmentalism sometimes put them at odds with the law.

• "Free-market environmentalism": A theory that proposes market-based mechanisms are the most effective way to manage environmental challenges.

  • His thesis explored the potential of free-market environmentalism to address climate change.

Variants and Related Words

• Environmentalist (n): A person who is concerned with or advocates for the protection of the environment.

  • The environmentalist gave a speech about conservation.

• Environmental (adj): Relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity on its condition.

  • They conducted an environmental impact assessment.

Synonyms

• Conservationism: The protection of plants, animals, and natural areas.
• Ecologism: A political and ethical ideology focused on ecological health.

Related Phrases

• "The rise of environmentalism": Refers to the historical growth and increasing influence of the environmental movement.

  • The 1960s saw the rise of environmentalism as a major social force.

• "Mainstream environmentalism": Denotes the most widely accepted and conventional part of the environmental movement.

  • The policy was supported by mainstream environmentalism but criticized by more radical groups.

Noun

1. the activity of protecting the environment from pollution or destruction
2. the philosophical doctrine that environment is more important than heredity in determining intellectual growth