Life and Contribution of John Muir to Environmental Conservation (Research Paper Sample)

Life and Contribution of John Muir to Environmental Conservation Student’s Name Institution Course Instructor Date Life and Contribution of John Muir to Environmental Conservation Environmental conservation is an important topic that has been disregarded throughout the years, resulting in devastation and harmful consequences for the ecosystem. Increased human activity in agriculture and manufacturing has resulted in an unexpected rise in environmental deterioration. Climate change, the increase of hazardous gases, and ozone layer depletion dominate the news these days. The biggest problem humanity has to find solutions to is environmental issues like rising sea levels, ecological degradation, biodiversity loss, and rising temperatures. Several methods have been used in the past to combat environmental degradation, mainly when promoted by the authorities or prominent in society. In the late nineteenth century, the ecology was severely harmed by leaders when enormous urban expansions were taking place, as the wealthy and powerful attempted to accumulate fortune via property development. Famous naturalists recognized the significance of environmental conservation for a harmonious coexistence between humans and their natural habitat. John Muir, a dedicated conservationist of Scottish-American ancestry, is a naturalist. Muir's work in publicizing environmental damage and persuading the people to rebel against it had a critical part in halting environmental devastation. Early Life John Muir was born in Dunbar, Scotland on April 21, 1838 (McNamara, 2019). He was an American naturalist, essayist, and zealous champion of nature conservation who lived from 1838 to 1914. Muir had several titles, but as a significant environmentalist, his passion for protecting the ecology and the climate was what maintained his vision alive. Muir is well known for his contributions to California's Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks and other conservation projects. Muir realized that the only way to get others to comprehend the need for environmental stewardship was to set a good example. Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 1: A picture of Muir (U.S. National Park Service, 1907) Muir was captivated by the world's stunning beauty from an early age. His desire to learn more about natural resources prompted him to seek a profession in botany to further his comprehension and awareness of the environment. Muir did not let a lack of resources stop him from following his passion. He began early explorations on foot while juggling his love with a job, but he was determined to realize his dream. As a naturalist, Muir examined various topographies and produced maps. Later, he was inspired to become a leader in the environmental conservation movement. Muir became well-known for his environmental conservation efforts, including protecting the ecosystems and avoiding forest degradation to preserve the ecosystem's stunning scenery. Even though Muir was not the only environmentalist of his day, he was instrumental in educating Americans about taking personal responsibility for environmental preservation. Muir was encouraged to take a leading role in environmental conservation while building a career in Botany and Geology at the University of Wisconsin. Muir's enthusiasm for geology and natural science drove him to pursue natural research and environmental protection throughout portions of Canada and the United States despite his lack of a degree. Natural Habitat Conservation Most individuals ignore the issue of environmental conservation until the detrimental consequences of ecological invasion begin to affect them. A few individuals recognize the fundamental difficulty and opt to ignore it; the brave souls are the ones who come out to condemn and enlighten others. Such was John Muir's arrival when the United States economic landscape was undergoing rehabilitation, and large-scale manufacturing was taking place. Americans had moved their focus to manufacturing and had forgotten about the threat they were posing in the fragile ecosystem. The discipline of Environmental Studies was fundamentally influenced by him. He roused those who were previously unaware of the benefits of the environment in their lives, transformed those who were once frightened of the countryside, and undoubtedly motivated and continues to inspire a generation of scientists, scholars, and professionals to continue pursuing their passions and consider of ingenious solutions to help prosper our environmental system. It is reasonable to say that Muir's literary forum was the most effective platform for his impact on conserving the natural environment. Other scientists and philosophers who agreed in the appeal to assume shared responsibility for environmental protection sought out his books, publications, and studies. Ralph Waldo, for example, referred to John Muir's work many times in his journals. However, numerous Americans were unconcerned with environmental protection, and there was little knowledge of the subject. Several Americans who had little respect for preserving the natural environment were turned around by Muir's views and appeal to raise awareness of the conservation of nature. Muir's contribution to the battle against environmental deterioration was never ignored. His endeavors for environmental protection were recognized by the appropriate environmental agencies in the United States. Muir proposed in 1876 that the federal government enact rigorous forest protection initiatives to address deforestation. John Muir became a powerful advocate for sustainable land use, management, and conservation via his books and other media. On land utilization and forest protection, Muir had opposing viewpoints. While Gifford Pinchot, a revolutionary forest conservator in the United States, pushed for the optimal utilization of forests and resources inside the forests, Muir believed natural environments should be protected and preserved in totality, without human interference. Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks were formed due to John Muir's successful environmental crusade. Pinchot and Muir's contradiction, however, was not yet resolved. Using his hard work and collaboration with those who held a similar point of view, the Sierra Club was created. Muir was the campaign's original leader until his unfortunate demise in 1914. He used the club as a primary forum to discuss environmental problems via his writings.  Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 2: National Park Yosemite (Buzko, 2008) Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 3: Sequoia National Park (Vamosa, 2018) Yosemite National Park is often associated with the naturalist John Muir, who, admittedly, was instrumental in establishing the park's initial boundaries in 1889 before Congress passed the legislation making it a National Park in 1890 (McNamara, 2019). Muir spent a significant portion of his life in the park, forging a particular affinity with it. He also published works for periodicals that contributed to the Sierra Club's foundation in 1890 (Wood, 2019). He was a founding member of the Sierra Club in 1892, which was formed to protect the environment from encroachment by people and the government (Wood, 2019). The Sierra Club is a non-profit organization whose primary goal is to continue environmental conservation initiatives. Muir's works on environmental concerns were pertinent, and he used them to question government policies. For example, Grover Cleveland, the then-President of the United States, prohibited commercial activity in over 11 natural forests in 1897 (National Park Service, 2014). However, Congress was swayed by unscrupulous business people and agreed to delay the policy's implementation. Despite the delay, Muir's remarks on the critical need to maintain national forests sparked widespread outrage, which led to a change in Congress's viewpoint. Muir continued to impact President Roosevelt's forests conservation activities, making him a staunch supporter of the president on environmental issues. Theodore Roosevelt's tenure as President of the United States resulted in an increase in the national forest network by several millions of acres and the creation of national monuments and national parks. He was also the driving force behind the establishment of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 4: Muir and President Frank Roosevelt (Taranto, 2017) The president followed Muir to Yosemite in 1903, culminating in creating Yosemite National Park (National Park Service, 2014). Roosevelt returned to Washington after his camping trip with Muir, feeling rejuvenated and re-energized about the need of saving America's woods and wilderness places, which he had done before. He persuaded Congress to adopt legislation to preserve wild lands, and he developed a strong interest in environmental protection. In 1905, President Roosevelt established the United States Forest Service, which took over caring for the nation's forest reserves from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) (National Park Service, 2014). This was the first instance in which a significant national resource was transferred from one government agency. However, for the program to be effective, Congress had to adopt legislation extending its authority over the Indian reservations to the United States. This was done in 1907 and subsequent years. Later, in commemoration of John Muir's final commitment to forest protection, the United States government created the Muir Woods National Monument in Calif...