Definition Of Activism

ACTIVISM – WHAT IS IT? Enviropaedia definition of Activism

The Concise Oxford dictionary defines activism as “a policy of vigorous action in a cause, especially in politics.” The opposite of active is passive or inactive. But as far as environmental protection is concerned, just what does activism entail?

As in the above definition it means standing up to be counted. It means that instead of resigning ourselves to the idea that nothing can be done about halting the precipitous decline of planetary ecosystems, that concerned people can turn the situation around by active intervention in defence of our global resources.

So what forms can activism take? At one end of the scale are the Greenpeace's and Earth First!’s of the world who put their lives and money on the line and raise public awareness in often spectacular and sometimes illegal actions. On the other end of the scale are increasing numbers of ordinary people involved in recycling and reducing their footprint on earth in many ways. In between the extremes are many shades of activism that allow for everyone to intervene in order to ensure a better legacy for our children and for all of the organisms with which we share the planet.

As the dominant and only logical species on earth it becomes ever more apparent that humans must become far more active in halting and undoing the damage we inflict on a fragile planet. If modern Homo sapiens, or thinking man, wishes to be historically accepted as intelligent life, it is essential that we cast aside passivity and embrace activism in whatever forms we are comfortable with.

Back To Ekogaia Home Page

Definition of Activism