Our planet, our only home, a dynamic tapestry of life spanning across land, sea, and the skies, is facing extraordinary challenges. From the melting of glaciers in the poles to erratic weather patterns to depleting rainforests and natural resources, we can see the environment changing. Despite this, a flicker of hope still remains – a shared human spirit, desperate to help and protect our precious planet. Not just for us but for future generations.
With the constant barrage of bad news on television and social media when it comes to global warming and the effect the climate crisis is having around the world, it’s often easy to forget that there are individuals who are passionate about our natural world.
In the words of Margaret Mead “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
This collection of 32 environmental quotes is meant to inspire the eco-warrior in you, a reminder of how connected we are to planet Earth and the deep impact we can make.
This is a call to action. It’s about educating ourselves and shouting louder so the decision makers and world leaders take notice.
It’s about being effective stewards for the planet.
It’s about advocating for nature when it can’t advocate for itself.
Hopefully, some of these quotes will ignite a spark in you.
Environmental Activists Eco Quotes
1. “You cannot protect the environment unless you empower people, you inform them, and you help them understand that these resources are their own, that they must protect them.” —Wangari Maathai
2. “Raising awareness on the most pressing environmental issues of our time is more important than ever.” – Leonardo DiCaprio
3. “The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water, and air. It is the most precious thing we have, and we need to defend it.” —David Attenborough
4. “Build back better. Blah, blah, blah. Green economy. Blah blah blah. Net zero by 2050. Blah, blah, blah. This is all we hear from our so-called leaders. Words that sound great but so far have not led to action. Our hopes and ambitions drown in their empty promises.” – Greta Thunberg
5. “We’re in a giant car heading towards a brick wall and everyone’s arguing over where they’re going to sit” – David Suzuki
6. “We are living on the planet as if we have another one to go to.” —Terry Swearingen
7. “We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do.” – Barbara Ward
8. “Thank God men cannot fly, and lay waste the sky as well as the earth.” – Henry David Thoreau
9. “It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment.” – Ansel Adams
Scientists Eco Quotes
1. “If the bee disappears from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years to live.” —Albert Einstein
2. “We are in danger of destroying ourselves by our greed and stupidity. We cannot remain looking inwards at ourselves on a small and increasingly polluted and overcrowded planet.” —Stephen Hawking
3. “If you really think the environment is less important than the economy try holding your breath while you count your money.” – Guy McPherson, Scientist
4. “Anything else you’re interested in is not going to happen if you can’t breathe the air or drink the water. Don’t sit this one out. Do something.” —Carl Sagan
5. “If every day were Earth Day, we wouldn’t be in the mess we’re in.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson
6. “Deforestation is changing our climate, harming people, and the natural world. We must, and can, reverse this trend.” —Jane Goodall
7. “With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you’re connected to the sea. No matter where on Earth you live. Most of the oxygen in the atmosphere is generated by the sea.” – Sylvia Earle
8. “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” —Robert Swan
9. “Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.” – Carl Sagan
10. “The proper use of science is not to conquer nature but to live in it.” – Barry Commoner
11. “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second-best time is now.” —Chinese Proverb
Political Leaders Environment Quotes
1. “A nation that destroys is soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt
2. “Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth… these are one and the same fight. We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security and women’s empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all.” – Ban Ki-moon
3. “We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it.” – Barack Obama
4. “Our atmosphere is like the story of Goldilocks. It’s not too thick, it’s not too thin, it’s just right. And we need to keep it like that.” – Al Gore
5. “What mankind must know is that human beings cannot live without Mother Earth, but the planet can live without humans.” – Evo Morales
Writer/Author/TV Environmental Quotes
1. “Try to leave the Earth a better place than when you arrived.” – Sidney Sheldon
2. “If you are fearful of the destruction of the environment, then learn to quit being an environmental parasite.” —Wendell Berry
3. “I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.” — Dr. Seuss (From The Lorax)
4. “Earth is what we all have in common.” —Wendell Berry
5. “Fast fashion isn’t free. Someone else is paying.” —Lucy Siegle
6. “When the last tree is cut, the last fish is caught, the last river is polluted and when to breathe the air is sickening, you will realize, too late, that wealth is not in bank accounts and that you can’t eat money.” – Alanis Obomsawin
7. “The Earth does not belong to us: we belong to the Earth.” – Marlee Matlin
I hope these quotes help to ignite the environmentalist within you.
Whether you’re taking small steps or working collectively, we can all create powerful force for change.
Go for a walk outside, take a deep breath and fill your lungs with fresh air, feel the heat of the sun on your skin, and allow your love for nature to grow.
The world needs your help.
This has been written by Raakhee Stratton, a UK based eco-blogger and author of Easy Peasy Greeny. Currently studying towards a BSc Environmental Science and passionate about working towards sustainable living by learning and sharing ideas.
I love these quotes, they are so beautiful. I pinned this too!
thank you, Eva!