Environmental Activism

Environmental activism means advocating for or working towards protection of the natural environment with its resources from undergoing destruction or getting polluted. Environmental activists believe in the theory that, natural environment mediates the primary influence on intellectual growth and cultural development of an individual rather than his or her genetic makeup. Hence, Environmental activists always raise their voices and take action steps whenever the natural environment is threatened by destruction or pollution. Further environmental activists demand the interventions of Environmental Impact Assessment which helps to assess the pros and cons of any new industrial project on the aspects of pollution and general degradation of the environment.

Model of Environmental activism

The principle that guides Environmental activism is based on the “Collective Interest Model”. The model speculates that people will take part in environmental activism when the subjected perceived value of such participation will be positive. The principle encompasses five areas that drive a successful environmental activism.

The first area deals with perception- which indicates that the individuals should perceive the benefits of an environmental protection or prevention plan. Secondly, the principle speculates, when each individual who perceive such benefits participates in the environmental activism program, the probability of success of such movement increases. Next, it speculates in determining the individual actions of such participants that will help or potentiate a particular action plan. Finally the model speculates the costs and selective benefits of participation.

Assessment of the Model

The model is elaborated and assessed by the following equation:

EV= [(PG+PI)*V]-S+B

Where

• EV= Environmental Activism, that describes the expected value of participation


• PG= Probability of success of the participant group, this component describes the efficacy of the group.


• PI= Represents the marginal influence of the individual’s contribution to the success of the group. This component defines the personal efficacy.


• V= Represents the value of the collected perceived “good”


• S= Represents the selective cost of participation.


• B= Represents the selective benefit available from the participation.

Discussion and Conclusion

The benefit of environmental activism is portrayed in the development of public notices that helps in issues related to pollution and protection of the natural resources that supports the economy and health of human communities. Citizens who believe that they have been threatened by environmental problems should initiate environmental activism in a holistic and collective manner. Activism is unlikely to succeed if people do not contribute holistically and more so if the government is unresponsive and reluctant to support such movement.