Environmental problems began to concern mankind relatively recently. With the growth of industry, mankind, on the one hand, has the problem of increasing pollution, on the other hand - the growth of current welfare, which allows us to pay attention to more long-term problems. The first regulatory documents in this sphere appeared back in the middle of the twentieth century, when the London smog killed more than 10 thousand people. They were primarily aimed at limiting current pollution. In 1987, the UN adopted the Concept of Sustainable Development of Human Society, according to which the needs of the present generation can be met only without harming future ones. This, among other things, implies that it is necessary to limit not only pollution affecting the population today, but also carrying long-term risks for the environment in the future.
It is indicative that business, including giant companies, does not remain aloof from the environmental problem. Let's talk about the origins of eco-activism and how business corporations support the environment.
What is Eco-Activism?
The term "environmental activism" is defined as the actions of individuals or groups that protect or help the environment.
Eco-activism is realized at many different levels: from local, regional to international.
Environmental activism can also be realized in creative ways. One can, for example, highlight the recycling of plastic waste by creating sculptures made solely from plastic trash. Regardless of how and in what way it is expressed, the goal of environmental activism is clear: to create a harmonious environment and to restore those parts of the environment whose balance has been disturbed.
Origins of Environmental Care: A Historical Perspective
The roots of modern environmentalism and activism can be traced back to key historical moments and milestones. The environmental movement gained significant momentum in the mid-20th century. It was then that concerns about pollution, wildlife conservation, and the effects of industrialization became more evident. The publication of Rachel Carson's pioneering book Silent Spring in 1962 brought attention to the harmful effects of pesticides on the environment and human health, prompting a reassessment of humanity's relationship with nature. In addition, after the Second World War, humanity discovered that the local environmental disasters that worried it began to quickly develop into global ones: acid rains, the development of the "greenhouse effect", the depletion of the ozone layer, large-scale pollution by toxic chemicals and radionuclides, the rapid reduction of biological diversity, etc. d. All this testified to the fact that not only the threat of nuclear war could be disastrous for mankind.
The turning point was the first Earth Day, which took place on April 22, 1970. Millions of people took part in demonstrations and events. They called for stronger environmental protection and encouraged governments to enact environmental regulations. It was this event that led to the creation of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and also contributed to the passage of such landmark environmental laws as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.
Global Efforts and Initiatives: Taking Action for a Sustainable Future
Certain aspects of environmental security require detailed regulation and participation of all countries of the world without exception. Therefore, environmental security is regulated, including international treaties and other documents. They determine how natural objects should be used and protected, how to preserve a favorable environment. The adopted acts contribute to the unification of states to solve environmental problems. The main special conventions on environmental protection are concluded under the aegis of the United Nations (UN).
Basic international agreements in the field of human-environment co-evolution include:
- Stockholm Declaration, 1972;
- World Charter for Nature, 1982. Establishes that basic natural processes should be kept relatively unchanged and all forms of life should be allowed to exist;
- Rio de Janeiro Declaration on Environment and Development, 1992 Contains basic principles of environmental protection as well as Agenda 21, which provides an extensive program of action for nature conservation in the next century;
- Declaration "The Future We Want," also known as Rio + 20, 2002 Held 20 years after the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. The new document developed a vision of how to reduce poverty, promote social justice, and ensure adequate environmental protection measures, given the progressive rate of global population growth.
- A number of international agreements regulate the protection of individual environments. For example, the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Thanks to such documents, the rate of atmospheric pollution by certain ozone-depleting substances has begun to slow down.
- Movement of hazardous and other wastes across state borders is regulated by the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. It applies whenever wastes covered by the agreement move from one national jurisdiction to another.
- A number of international documents regulate issues related to climate change. In 1994, an agreement to stabilize the concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere at a level that would avoid dangerous climate change - the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change - entered into force.
Who Supports the Green Planet
Patagonia: Leading the Charge for Environmental Activism
Patagonia is an outdoor clothing and gear company. It has long been a pioneer in advocating for environmental sustainability. Their mission to "build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, and use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis" has driven their commitment to eco-activism. According to CEO Rose Marcario, "We're in business to save our home planet."
Patagonia has donated millions of dollars to grassroots environmental organizations. The company is unafraid to use their platform to raise awareness about critical issues such as climate change and public lands protection.
*Unilever: Commitment to Sustainable Living
Unilever is a consumer goods company with a vast portfolio. It has made sustainability an integral part of its business strategy. CEO Alan Jope emphasizes, "We believe in a future where business and sustainability go hand in hand."
With the help of its Sustainable Living Plan, Unilever hopes to lessen the impact of its goods on the environment and obtain all of its agricultural raw materials sustainably. The company's dedication to eco-activism includes efforts like the "Loop" reusable packaging technology and campaigns like "Dove's Real Beauty" that target plastic waste.
Tesla: Revolutionizing Transportation for a Cleaner Future
Tesla is the electric vehicle and clean energy company. The cpm[any has disrupted the automotive industry with its eco-friendly innovations. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, envisions a world powered by sustainable energy and states, "The fundamental purpose of Tesla is to accelerate the advent of sustainable transport."
Tesla aims to lessen reliance on fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions through electric vehicles and solar energy solutions, bringing about good change in the automotive industry and beyond.
Google: Driving Sustainability Through Innovation
Google, a tech giant, recognizes its responsibility to drive sustainability in the digital age.Sundar Pichai , CEO of Google and Alphabet, acknowledges, "We are committed to creating a carbon-free future for everyone."
Google has been a global leader in acquiring renewable energy, and by 2030, the company wants to run entirely on carbon-free energy. The corporation also funds initiatives that advance sustainability and biodiversity as well as environmentally friendly technologies.
IKEA: Fostering Sustainability in Home Furnishings
IKEA, a renowned furniture retailer, has set ambitious sustainability goals for itself. According to CEO Henrik Persson Ekdahl , "Becoming circular and climate positive is non-negotiable for us."
IKEA wants to develop a climate-positive value chain by 2030 and to make all of its goods from recycled or renewable resources by that time. The company's dedication to eco-activism is clear in its advocacy for renewable energy use and promotion of environmentally friendly home living.