Question 3

In the conclusion of Devoted to Nature, Evan Berry reiterates that nature is deeply spiritual. Berry wants to make nature more of a spiritual issue. He also believes that these issues should be dealt with from a more ethical position. Berry brings up three ways on how environmental advocates should view environmental activism. The first way is for environmental advocates should not think in terms of “historical redemption” (187). Berry believes that they should work to slow down the environmental damages. They should never try to bring it back because “there is no going back” (187). The second way environmental advocates should always ask the question “In what ways and for what purposes should humans affect their environments?” (188). This question would lead environmental advocates to question their actions, and see if they are really helping the environment or doing nothing to help. This would lead to more action and more people improving the environment instead of hurting it. The third way, in my opinion, is the most convicting for environmental advocates. Berry says that they should be guided by a commitment to social justice. Berry says that the views from the mountain tops are great but the one billion people that lack safe drinking water should take precedence. They should be more focused on the needs of others instead of the obtaining that perfect experience from the mountain tops. These three ways explain to us that, environmental activism is a matter of ethics and not a matter of politics. Environmental activism should lead to a pursuit of social justice, according to Berry. I believe this is already happening in America. There are a lot of groups and organizations that put this view into action. Even though it could be better in many ways, America is at least trying to follow this view.