environmentalism
UK: ɪnˈvaɪrənməntəlɪzəm | US: ɪnˈvaɪrənməntəlɪzəm
n. A political or ethical ideology that advocates for the protection of the natural environment and sustainable resource use.
n. The belief that environmental concerns should be prioritized in policy and societal decision-making.
The word traces back to the French "environ" (meaning "surround"), derived from Old French "viron" (circle or circuit). The suffix "-ment" forms nouns indicating a state or condition (e.g., "government"), while "-al" converts it into an adjective. The suffix "-ism" denotes a distinctive practice or ideology (e.g., "capitalism"). Thus, "environmentalism" literally means "the doctrine of surrounding conditions," evolving to signify a focus on ecological preservation.
Environmentalism has influenced global policies on carbon emissions.
Her commitment to environmentalism led her to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle.
Critics argue that extreme environmentalism may hinder economic growth.
The rise of environmentalism in the 1970s sparked the creation of Earth Day.
Many corporations now incorporate environmentalism into their business models.