Evolving Meanings in Environmentalism
Language is always shifting, which means that some terms and phrases change meaning over time, often getting caught up in political debates. A prime example is how the term “environmentalist” has transformed.
Back in the day, environmental concerns were mainly about urban areas that needed cleaning up and protection against pollution, free from soot and smog. One of the most significant movements in this space during the 1960s was championed by “Ladybird” Johnson, who pushed the initiative to “Keep America Beautiful.”
Johnson’s enthusiasm for beautifying the environment was rooted in a broader vision. She likened it to untangling a messy ball of yarn. In a diary entry from 1965, she noted that the threads of recreation, pollution, mental health, crime rates, and various public concerns were all intertwined.
The fight to clean up the nation’s landscapes saw a powerful surge through TV advertisements that highlighted littered highways and parks, urging people to keep their surroundings clean. An iconic ad from the early 1970s features actor Iron Eyes Cody, shedding a tear while staring at an environmentally damaged scene. Interestingly, Cody was Italian American, not Native American, but that’s a story for another time.
As the “global warming” narrative gained traction, however, what it meant to be an environmentalist began to shift dramatically. Media outlets, politicians, and organizations on the left started defining environmentalism almost exclusively through the lens of greenhouse gas emissions and a strong opposition to the fossil fuel industry. In this context, anyone advocating for reliable energy sources—like natural gas, fuel oil, or coal—was often deemed anti-environmental.
This political wrangling often led to the left inadvertently undermining environmental efforts, while many genuine concerns for the environment took a back seat. Thankfully, recent moves by President Donald Trump have started to pivot the conversation back towards a broader concept of environmentalism.
Restoring True Environmentalism
The news over the Independence Day weekend was dominated by the passage of a significant law, but on July 3rd, Trump signed an executive order that, while perhaps overshadowed, could have lasting effects. His “Make America Beautiful Again” order aims to protect public lands, safeguard wildlife, and ensure clean drinking water. Interestingly, it was notably silent on climate change.
Media that have clung to a narrow interpretation of “climate change” have labeled Trump’s order as the beginning of reclaiming environmentalism and uniting the nation for a cleaner future.
This executive order encourages federal land management to:
Promote responsible stewardship of natural resources, enhance access to public lands for recreation, encourage conservation efforts, reduce bureaucratic obstacles to effective environmental management, and restore wildlife through cooperative efforts.
Inspired by young conservative environmentalist Benji Backer, Trump’s approach suggests this issue should step back from partisan divides. Backer expressed that if Trump could unite people to protect the environment, it would transform the discussion permanently.
Environmentalism That Embraces All Energy Sources
Those providing reliable and affordable energy have long cared about preserving their environment. They’ve been investing in new technologies that enhance the cleanliness of traditional energy sources.
For instance, innovations in drilling and fracking techniques have allowed the U.S. to lead in reducing carbon emissions among developed nations. Changes in home heating oil have seen the sulfur content drop significantly, edging toward zero. Moreover, advancements in coal technologies have drastically reduced harmful emissions.
Supporters of backer argue it’s time to take environmentalism away from cultural battles. People across the political spectrum value the environment and recognize the importance of protecting it. With Trump’s initiative, this could be the time to unite as environmentalists once more.
