Donald Trump has been labeled the most anti-environment president in recent history. His administration took significant steps, such as rescinding the “endangerment finding,” which acknowledged the harmful effects of climate change. Regulations designed to protect air and water from pollutants like mercury and methane were rolled back. Trump also aimed to downplay conservation on the 245 million acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
The environmental movement seems to be struggling to respond. The pressing issues of climate change and pollution often take a back seat to other urgent causes. Headlines about environmental news rarely capture public interest, and even when protests arise, our natural resources don’t always take precedence.
How did the environmental movement lose its traction? More screen time, less access to wild spaces, and a shift toward urban living have distanced many Americans from nature. Conservation research shows a decline in fieldwork; studies based on real-world observations dropped by 20% from 1980 to 2014, while data analysis skyrocketed.
For over 30 years, I’ve worked at organizations focused on the balance between economics and conservation. In recent years, I noticed that the environmental movement has become disconnected from nature. While focused on climate change, it often neglects the ecosystems that inspired its founding. To regain its purpose and strength, the movement needs to reconnect with nature.
Historically, American environmentalism took root in the early 20th century, led by figures like John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt. They aimed to protect stunning landscapes and wildlife. Over the decades, our country set aside vast public lands and saw the rise of passionate writers and conservationists who laid the groundwork for environmental laws.
Initially, climate change was one of many challenges that environmentalists tackled, but now it dominates the narrative. The surge of organizations focused on climate issues—over half of new groups from 2010 to 2020 contained “climate” in their names—shows this shift. In my experience running a conservation organization, I witnessed how climate became a primary focus. While this spotlight brought attention, it also overshadowed other pressing environmental matters.
Today, nature conservation continues, but it has become primarily climate-driven. For instance, funding for Amazon forest protection surged in the early 2010s, primarily from countries like Norway and Germany, which wanted to keep carbon within trees. Moreover, efforts to protect ecosystems are often reframed as “nature-based solutions” to climate change.
While addressing climate change is crucial, the focus on decarbonization often overlooks the broader health of our planet. Investment in renewable energy reached $2.3 trillion last year, dwarfed by money directed at nature. Many climate solutions emphasize technology over direct natural conservation, which hasn’t proven effective in protecting ecosystems long term.
Recent discussions highlight a crucial gap: climate policies often neglect other environmental issues. For example, a 2025 poll revealed that support for conservation among Republicans was 61%, while only 34% supported climate-related actions. This shows a collective willingness to protect nature, regardless of political affiliation.
Prominent figures in the climate space sometimes advocate solutions that expand humanity’s footprint at the expense of nature. Bill Gates, for instance, argues for a tech-centric approach to eliminate carbon emissions without reducing consumption. This mindset does not take into account the ecological damage associated with increased resource extraction.
True environmental progress will require a balance. Highlighting local ecosystems could foster a greater sense of stewardship among communities. By connecting climate strategies to tangible local benefits, climate advocates can engage more people and create a shared purpose.
Restoring wild populations and safeguarding biodiversity should be priorities. The loss of wildlife represents a serious environmental crisis, and policies must aim to protect not just existence but vibrant ecosystems. With more than 90 million Americans engaging in outdoor activities, building a movement around shared experiences in nature could unite diverse groups in environmental action.
An effective environmentalism should both account for climate change and celebrate the beauty of natural spaces. By finding common ground, we can foster genuine collaboration across political lines, transforming our relationship with the land we depend on.
This reconnection to nature not only nourishes our planet but also enriches our lives. Everyone can benefit from stepping away from screens and immersing ourselves in the wonders of the outdoors. The next time you hear a bird song or see a beautiful landscape, take a moment to appreciate the world we are fighting to protect.
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