Environmentalism is a philosophy and social movement in response to environmental degradation that focuses on improving the environment for its own sake and for civilization. It began after the Industrial Revolution led to modern pollution and has grown into a mainstream movement through key events and literature questioning the effects of pollution. Proponents argue protection of the environment supersedes economic concerns because environmental damage could disrupt ecosystems and harm humans and other species. Critics note economic interests often surpass protections and major technological advances are still needed to balance environmental and economic needs. The document discusses different levels of environmentalism, ways to live sustainably, religious views on stewardship of the environment, and the choice individuals have in reducing their impact.

1. Environmentalism

2. A broad philosophy and social movement
engendered from environmental degradation.
The philosophy is focus on improving
the environment for its own sake as
well as the importance for civilization.

3. History
• Environmental thinking began mainly after the
Industrial Revolution.
• The industrial period gave rise to modern
environmental pollution as it is generally
understood today.
• Animal activists began to promote
environmental ideas in an attempt to save
wildlife.
• Literature such as A New Look At Life on Earth
and Silent Spring, questioning the logic of
releasing large amounts of chemicals into the
environment, were published.

4. •By the mid 1970’s
environmental ethics joined
in with anti-Vietnam War
sentiments and other
political issues.
•Mainstream
environmentalism began to
show force with the
signing of the Endangered
Species Act in 1973, and
the formation of CITES in
1975.

5. •The 60’s and 70’s brought
about the “hippie” era
where “tree huggers” set
up peaceful protests
against deforestation.
•Since environmentalist
action has led to the
development of a new
subculture.

6. Living an
Eco
Friendly
Life…

7. •Recycle.
•Make your home
energy efficient.
•Choose local, organic
foods.
•Use transportation
wisely.
These are the four
main ways to live
eco friendly…

8. …but there are several other
ways to live GREEN…
•Reading daily news on the internet.
•Use rechargeable batteries and digital
cameras.
•Download music.
•When traveling, pack lightly.
•Carry your golf clubs.

9. The Enemies
•Carbon Dioxide •Chlorofluorocarbons
-The substance that - Cause the depletion of the ozone
contributes to global layer allowing harmful ultra violet
warming. rays to reach the Earth’s surface.
-CO2 occurs
naturally, but the
burning of fossil •Industrial Pollution
fuels has increased
levels dramatically, -Noxious chemicals can contaminate
preventing the air, water and our food supply.
atmosphere from •Uncontrolled
cooling naturally.
(Creating extreme Development
weather -Leads to deforestation and the
events/changes). destruction of habitat.

10. Something To Think About.

11. Cons
•Economic interests surpass
environmental protections.
•Increase gas and oil prices.
•The recent push to live a green
lifestyle has uncovered a new
problem: the lack of uniform
standards as to what constitutes a
green product.
•Major technological
advancements must be made.

12. Pros
•Protection of the environment supersedes economic or
legal considerations because the environmental
contamination or species extinction could disturb the
ecosystem, adversely affecting other species and humans.
•A green lifestyle will conserve our natural resources.
•Environmental movement will slow down the effects of
global warming.

13. The Church’s View
“God told us to protect
his Earth.”
•Protection of the
environment is a
Biblically rooted epic
task straight from God.
•Nature is Gods
creation.
•We share this planet
with all species; fauna
and flora.

14. The Call To Stewardship
Stewardship is measured by healthy ecosystems •God has a
and sustainable, responsible consumption.The Relationship
Bible says that God expects, even demands, with All of His
that we be stewards of His creation. Scripture Creation.
is undisputable. God created the different •God's Power is
species of plants and animals, blessed them,
Seen in Nature.
protected them and made a covenant with
•God Teaches
them.
Humans
through Nature.
•God Expects
Humans to be
His Stewards
with Nature.

15. Á La Mode :
Going
Green.

16. What Type Of GREEN Are You?
Dark Light Bright
•Believe •See protecting the
environment first •The most
environmental
and foremost as a contemporary of
problems are an
responsibility. the three
inherent part of categories.
industrialized •Often view
capitalism, and environmentalism •Bright Greens
seek radical as a lifestyle new technologies
political change. choice. and wisely
distributed social
•This group’s way
•Dark Greens are innovations are
of thinking can be
the “intense” the means to
summed up with
environmentalists the motto “Green is make eco
the new black.” changes.

17. The Choice Is Yours.
Steps to going green can be costly--in the
short term but the cost of not protecting our
planet is far greater in the long term. The
Bible expresses the importance of respecting
God’s creation and His wish for us to exercise
stewardship. We must begin to preserve the
environment in light of future generations. We
have the power to hinder environmental
destruction but changes must be made
immediately before the damage caused is
irreversible.