Environmental movements
Environmental Movements
Environmental movements develop when people become aware that human activities are damaging the environment and believe action is needed to protect ecosystems and future generations.
Big idea: Environmental movements grow through a clear pattern: a problem is identified, awareness spreads, and action or policy change follows.
In IB exams, you are assessed on understanding. You can use any relevant example as long as you clearly explain cause → awareness → action.
What is the environmental movement?
The environmental movement includes people and organisations working to protect nature, reduce pollution, and use resources sustainably.
It became stronger from the late 20th century onwards as environmental problems became more visible.
What influenced the environmental movement?
📚 Literature
Books and reports helped people understand hidden environmental damage and increased public concern.
Literature → awareness → policy change
👤 Individuals
Some individuals influenced environmental movements by raising awareness and encouraging action.
Individuals → awareness → action
🔬 Scientific discoveries
Science provided evidence of environmental damage.
Example: When scientists showed that {{CFCs|Chlorofluorocarbons: man-made chemicals once used in aerosols, refrigerators, and air conditioners that damage the ozone layer.}} were destroying the ozone layer, public concern grew and countries agreed to phase them out through the Montreal Protocol.
Science → evidence → laws and policies
💥 Environmental disasters
Disasters showed the real consequences of environmental damage.
Example: The Chernobyl nuclear disaster made the risks of nuclear power visible, increasing public pressure for stricter safety rules and regulation.
Disasters → public shock → regulation
⚡ Technological developments
Technology offered solutions to environmental problems.
Example: Cheaper solar and wind power made clean energy realistic, increasing support for policies that reduce fossil-fuel use.
Technology → solutions → reduced impact
🌍 International agreements
Many environmental problems affect more than one country, so cooperation is needed.
Example: The Paris Agreement encouraged countries to set emissions targets, increasing coordinated global action on climate change.
Global problems → cooperation → shared action
📺 Media
Media spreads environmental information widely.
Media → information → behaviour change
What to remember for the exam
Exam Tips:
- Environmental movements are influenced by literature, individuals, science, disasters, technology, international agreements, and media.
- In exam answers, always explain cause → awareness → action, not just name an example.
Key terms
Silent Spring
Environmental Movements – Literature example
Let's look at some examples that show how environmental movements developed and what helped them grow.
📚 Literature: Silent Spring (1962) & DDT
Literature → awareness → policy change
Exam sentence: Silent Spring exposed the harmful effects of DDT, increasing public awareness and leading to bans.
Greta Thunberg
Environmental Movement – Individual Example
Individual → awareness → action
Exam sentence: Greta Thunberg raised awareness of climate change and increased political pressure through protest.
Wangari Maathai
Environmental Movement – Individual Example
Individual → awareness → local action
Exam sentence: Wangari Maathai protected ecosystems through tree planting and community action.
What to remember for the exam
Exam Tips:
- Environmental movements are influenced by literature and individuals
- Any valid example can be used
- Always explain <strong>cause → awareness → action</strong>
Summary - Environmental movements
Environmental movements develop when people realise that human activities are harming the environment and believe action is needed.
Typical pattern: problem → awareness → action or policy change
Exam tip: Use any relevant example, but always explain the link between the problem, the awareness created, and the action or policy change.