Over the last decade, our awareness of the environment has increased incredibly. The consciousness that should come hand-in-hand with the constant evolution of the human being on Earth, has only just started gradually being felt by the population.
Like it or not, environmental identity is part of every one of us. It is the aspect of ourselves that is rooted in our connection to the natural world, and it plays a crucial part in our self-understanding as a part of a larger system.
It is curious to think that thousands of years ago, humans cherished and worshiped the Earth (or the God they believed created Earth). The connection between man and nature was strong, and different civilizations and religions proved it in their particular ways. Specifically pantheism, a religion that fundamentally believes that what is divine is Earth. However, for the last couple of centuries, our actions have reflected the belief that resources on Earth are for our disposal, which portrays how we see ourselves as separate from nature. At present, humans are contaminating significantly, and global temperatures are ever-rising, which is leading to the melting of permafrost which will release greenhouse gasses, and the melting ice-caps and consequently the rising of sea levels
The human dissociation from nature has led to the exploitation and degradation of the environment, with little thought to the long-term consequences. Reflecting on this makes one wonder at what point the human being became so selfish.
Only in the last few years have we had the realization that we have been exploiting Earth and its resources, and we must promote change if we want our planet to survive in the long term.
This has been due to several factors, including the rise of the environmental movement, increased scientific understanding of the impacts of climate change, and a shift in cultural values towards sustainability and conservation.
As a result, more and more people are embracing an environmental identity. This means not only recognizing the importance of the natural world but also taking action to protect it. For some, this may mean making changes in their personal lives, such as reducing their carbon footprint or supporting environmentally friendly companies. For others, it may mean engaging in activism or advocacy work to promote policies that protect the environment.
One group of people who have played a particularly important role in the development of environmental identity are Indigenous peoples. For many Indigenous communities, the environment is not just a backdrop for human life, but a central part of their cultural and spiritual identity. This deep connection to the land has often led to a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, and many Indigenous communities have been at the forefront of efforts to protect the environment.
Another group that has been essential in shaping environmental identity is the scientific community. Scientists have provided us with a wealth of knowledge about the natural world and the impacts of human activity on the environment. This knowledge has helped to raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection and has provided a foundation for evidence-based policy-making.
Of course, there is still much work to be done in terms of environmental protection and conservation. The challenges we face are complex and urgent, and they will require all of us to take action. But by embracing an environmental identity and recognizing our connection to the natural world, we can begin to build a more sustainable and just future.