Who are these environmental activists, and are they ecologists?

In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about environmental activism and environmental activists. They have also become commonplace to confuse them with environmentalists. This article aims to illustrate the difference between them, and the complementarity that both can play in improving our environment.

Environmental Activity:

Environmental activity" is defined as the actions of individuals or groups that protect or assist the environment. Environmental activists are the participants in this movement, who identify issues that threaten the survival of the planet, from societal to global concerns, and then develop strategies to promote awareness or produce solutions that directly address the problem. There are several ways to do this, from local grassroots strategies to national campaigns. In some cases, environmental advocacy can also include another important activity, such as social justice, or a creative artistic activity. Regardless of how it is done, the goal of environmental activism is clear: to create a harmonious living environment that can be passed down from generation to generation without being subject to poor human management.

How to participate in environmental activity:

The first step towards defending the environment can be small and simple, such as doing a volunteer project to plant trees or clean up pollution on the beach. This can help an individual feel comfortable with the activity and identify a specific environmental issue that concerns them. And then they may be willing to join a larger movement or get inspired to build awareness for themselves. Working with community leaders and politicians enables people to use their voices to participate in activism and can help paint a clearer picture of government's role in protecting the environment.

Why is environmental activity important?

It is important to involve all people in defending the environment, as environmental activism needs the participation of all age groups. Young and old activists can work together to bring us closer to protecting the planet for future generations to enjoy. For example, environmental activism can attract a great deal of attention to serious issues and mobilize others to use their voices and votes to influence politicians. Activists can also help draft environmental legislation. This type of activity can also have an impact at the corporate level. Raising awareness of environmental concerns may prompt companies to develop more sustainable practices, adopt green strategies and proactively engage in corporate social responsibility.

Problems:

There is concern about environmentalists becoming environmental activists because scientists should not have a prior interest in the results of their studies. As in any academic case, the pursuit of objectivity must also take into account all aspects of global climate change research. Although there is no problem with researchers taking public positions on environmental issues, there are potential conflicts when researchers selectively use information or exaggerate the problems to human-induced global warming, thereby politicizing climate and environmental change. Without self-criticism and diversity of views, scientists will ultimately damage the credibility of their research, possibly causing a broader public, political, and economic backlash.

On the other hand, there is concern about environmental activists posing as scientists, as this could be a misleading form of exploitation. In fact, there is a fine line between the use of science and its misuse. There is evidence of the strategic and selective transfer of scientific information for climate action. Non-specialist activists often embrace scientific arguments as a source of moral legitimacy for their movements, which can be radical and destructive rather than rational and constructive. However, unlimited faith in scientific knowledge is problematic, because science is not entitled to absolute truth or moral authority. The idea that science is explanatory rather than exploratory is a naïve exaggeration that could fuel the complex sphere of global climate change into an artificial doctrinal religion for the wider public. It is also completely irrational for activists to ask to "follow the science" if there is no one direction. Again, even obvious cases such as human-induced global climate change do not justify deviation from long-standing scientific norms that have distinguished the academic world from the social, economic and political spheres.

The increasing confusion between environmental science and environmental activism, where scientific insights are adopted to reinforce predetermined positions, not only creates confusion among politicians, stakeholders and the wider public, but also reduces academic credibility. Blurred boundaries between ecology and environmental activism can harm environmental and climate protection movements, as well as much-needed international approvals for sustainable growth and the global energy transition. If unrestrained climate activity leads to widespread panic or apathy, people may think it's too late to act or that action doesn't matter. This criticism of the uncontrolled integration of ecologists and activists should not be understood as a general critique of environmental activism, but merely a recommendation that neutral science remain unbiased and avoid any form of choice. Policymakers should continue to seek and consider accurate information from an increasingly complex media landscape with overlapping academic, economic, and public interests.