Surrounded by conflicting opinions and information, it can sometimes feel like a huge to-do list to fix the planet. While environmental topics are common talking points and political platforms today, it might surprise you this is nothing new. In fact, a few people started talking about caring for the planet back in the mid-1800s!
In the mid-1800s, Alexander Von Humboldt introduced the “unity of nature” theory. He began the call to consider how human actions would impact nature. His ideas might be old, but many still hold true today. Understanding Von Humboldt and his theory will empower us to take up the work that he began and help heal our planet.
Who is Alexander Von Humboldt, anyway?
Alexander Von Humboldt was the scientific influencer of his time, far before social media. He was an author, cartographer, explorer, abolitionist, the founder of biogeography, and the father of ecology – just to name a few. When he wasn’t rubbing elbows with Thomas Jefferson and Charles Darwin, Humboldt was turning nature into poetry that moved people.
As part of the Romantic movement, Humboldt believed that art and poetry were ways to connect with nature. His sketches and poetic ways of viewing nature more holistically influenced other scientists to broaden their studies. Humboldt’s global perspective on nature led to his “Unity of Nature” theory.
Humboldt believed all of nature works together in unison–everything remaining interconnected. Affecting one part of nature affects all other aspects that appear totally disconnected on the surface.
In short, Humboldt understood that small actions on one continent have the potential to levy significant consequences on another continent, as we are seeing with climate change today.
What has Humboldt Done?
Humboldt observed how the destruction of a forest led to changes in its water supplies, the soil, erosion, and eventually, to death of plant and animal life. This prompted Humboldt to predict how deforestation would affect both nature and the global climate.
During his time, people were limited in their conceptual grasp of nature and the world. With travel being limited and reserved mainly for the wealthy, most people did not venture far enough to experience all nature had to offer. Pollution and environmental problems were not yet a reality.
There were no studies on how these areas could affect climate change. Yet, his visionary thinking led him to warn others about how much power humans wield to destroy or protect nature.
Why Should We Care Today?
The global population in 1850 was 1,200,000,000. Today, that number is 7,942,645,086. Each additional person will either add to the strain on the earth or come to its aid. Using the Unity of Nature theory, each person’s actions can either hinder or help nature.
The smallest action can cascade into the most significant consequences. Imagine if almost eight billion people each chose to make one positive change for the environment.
Remember that time in 2020 when the COVID-19 virus shut down the world for a few weeks? In the stillness, many of us noticed and appreciated nature differently. Suddenly going outside for a walk was a privilege rather than a chore. Closed gyms led to people becoming more active outdoors and finding a greater appreciation for nature. For a brief period, we “got” what Humboldt wanted us to “get.”
During the lockdowns, we observed just how resilient nature is, too. In the few weeks that cities worldwide slowed to a crawl, many countries experienced temporary reductions in carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide of as much as 40%! That change improved air quality and reduced the risks of asthma, heart attacks, and lung disease.
Other scientists saw changes in bird behavior and countless other ways that nature responded to the change in human behavior.
Of course, lockdowns are unhealthy and unsustainable, but that brief time did give us a glimpse of what’s possible. Can we reverse things like climate change? According to Humboldt, human actions have caused harm to nature. Still, human actions can also repair it.
Eight billion people hold the world in their hands. Unless we work to reverse the damage and create change, the earth may no longer exist for future generations. The greatest call to action is to save the planet, and ourselves. Truth is, the planet would do just fine without us.
What Can You Do?
How can you embrace your inner Humboldt, become one with nature, and join others to benefit the planet? Many of the steps you can take are enjoyable.
Humboldt said, “The most dangerous worldviews are the worldviews of those who have never viewed the world .”Taking time to really experience and appreciate nature is a crucial step to understanding how important you are in preserving it.
Go outside. Simply being outside to walk, bike, practice yoga, etc., will increase your awareness. Being with nature helps us recognize how powerful our presence in nature is. Your actions affect every bird, squirrel, plant, and facet of nature.
The more you rely on walking or biking, the less you use your car. This means fewer harmful emissions in the air. Not only are you growing healthier, but you are contributing to a healthier planet.
Take a few minutes to clean around you. As you walk, pick up a few items of trash to throw away. While it might not seem like much, it can have a significant impact elsewhere. (Remember, as Humboldt said, small actions in one location can lead to big effects elsewhere.) Odds are, you will influence others to do the same. You can even join others for clean-up days and beautify specific areas.
Learn more about the products you use and their impact on nature. Choosing eco-friendly products can also go a long way. Lawn care, household cleaners, food products, clothing, home products, drink containers, sunscreen, and cosmetics are just a few items where your choices can affect the environment.
Your purchasing power will send a clear message to companies. As consumers, we hold the power. Reuse, recycle, and repurpose. This applies to many areas. It might surprise you, but the fashion industry accounts for 10% of carbon emissions and 20% of global wastewater.
Clothing is often seen as disposable, filling landfills. Consider opening a clothing closet for those in need, buying used items, repurposing clothing items into other goods, or purchasing clothing made of recycled materials.
Exciting green trends are happening in 2023 that you can participate in. You can find one that works for you and join many people determined to make a difference. Among these trends is recognizing that policy can shape human actions regarding the planet. Even your vote is an action for the earth.
Become a green influencer. You can find eco-conscious influencers on social media who seek to lead others to connect with nature through their channels. This could be the modern way of sharing snapshots of the world, like Humboldt’s drawings and paintings brought the wonders of nature to those who hadn’t yet experienced it.
To Humboldt, the world is what we see and how we perceive it. Experiencing the world is the most critical step to embracing it. As you experience and embrace your world, Humboldt would want you to share and educate others.
