It dates back to some four hundred years, in India a group of people called the Bishnois, who died in protest of tree felling. Later, in the 19^th century many new concepts relating to science and philosophy as ecology, determinism etc. were introduced that made significant impact on the perception of the earth and its inhabitants. In the 20^th century with increasing levels of pollution and growing number of disappearing species of both plants and animals, the environmental concerns started gaining importance. The discoveries made by scientists related to the hazardous effects of certain popular chemicals used in industries and commonly used pesticides, gave birth to actively protesting groups seeking ban on such items. Many regional and global phenomenons influenced the environmentalists to raise their voice against the age-old practices and latest technologies with harmful effects on the environment.

The recent trend of environmentalism is not only about activism or protests but also about scientific management and rational use of the environmental resources. Environmentalists are the people, who by their activities protest any practice or activity that leads to degradation of environment, protect man and animals from hazards arising out of such degradation, and seek to conserve the natural resources. Globalization v/s Regionalism, Industrialization, Global warming, Genetic engineering, Occupational Hazards, Conservation of natural resources, Pollution control, Waste management and Sustainable development are few topics, which are getting intense attention of the environmentalists today.

The term environmentalism is also associated with other contemporary terms such as environmental management, resource efficiency, waste minimization, environmental responsibility, eco friendliness, environmental economics, green ethics and environmental justice.

There are different organizations, lobbies and forums, through which environmentalists influence the government, legislation, and people to adopt such options and policies, which are environment friendly. Many individuals like academicians, writers, artists, geographers, photographers, journalists etc. through their works, make efforts to motivate the society to join the environmental movements and adopt a green approach.

People’s participation in such movements has increased over time. Many organizations are actively promoting environmental causes, governments of many countries are responding to the need of the hour through considerable number of environment friendly treaties, policies and legislations.

It is obvious that a number of alternative lifestyles and eco-friendly practices, such as Organic food, Recycled products, Bio-fuels, Eco-tourism, Green marriage, to name a few, has emerged (though they are quite expensive) but are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in the elite, educated and rich classes.

Environmentalism has even given birth to the new generation of youth who tag themselves as ‘eco-sexual’. There are enough controversies about such new social trends and it is doubtful whether such people espouse the true ideals of environmentalism, but it is true that someway they are helping the concept spread.