The U.S. Led the World in Conservation. We Can Do It Again!

The United States has played a unique role in the history of conservation. At times, it has been seen as an obstacle to global environmental progress—resisting international climate agreements, rolling back protections, and allowing denial to stall urgent action. But just as often, it has led the world—pioneering national parks, shaping international treaties, and inspiring movements through art, activism, and philanthropy. American scientists have uncovered the dangers of pollution, American leaders have signed groundbreaking environmental laws, American philanthropists have funded conservation on a massive scale, and American citizens have marched, organized, and demanded change. Today, as we face new environmental challenges, it’s crucial to step back and see the bigger picture. History shows us that progress is possible—and that when Americans rise to the occasion, we don’t just change our country. We change the world.

The story of American conservation began with a bold idea: that nature, in all its beauty and grandeur, should belong to the people and be preserved for future generations. In 1872, the United States created Yellowstone National Park, the first of its kind in the world. This revolutionary act not only safeguarded a vast and breathtaking landscape but also set a precedent for conservation efforts across the globe. It was the first step in a long journey—one that would lead to the establishment of national parks, wildlife refuges, and environmental protections that continue to shape the world today.

From the creation of the National Park Service in 1916 to the passage of the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts in the 1970s, the U.S. has been at the forefront of efforts to protect the environment. The fight to ban DDT, the success of the Montreal Protocol, and the global impact of Earth Day—first organized in the U.S. in 1970—are just a few milestones in a long history of environmental progress.

Yet, no single list could ever capture the full scope of these achievements, nor the countless individuals who have dedicated their lives to conservation. Scientists, activists, philanthropists, and everyday citizens—in the U.S. and around the world—have worked tirelessly to protect the planet, often against great odds. Their efforts, whether in the halls of government, the depths of the oceans, or the pages of a book, have shaped the way we understand and care for our natural world.

Environmentalism is not bound by time or borders. The passion of one generation inspires the next, and the actions of individuals ripple outward, creating a force for change that stretches across continents. Just as Rachel Carson’s warnings about pesticides ignited a movement, just as American conservationists helped establish the first global environmental treaties, the work we do today will inspire those who come after us. The story of conservation is still being written—and we each have a role to play.

Unprecedented wildfires tear through forests and communities. Drought strikes even the rainforests. Coral bleaching ravages fragile marine ecosystems. Species are vanishing at catastrophic rates, and entire ecosystems are being pushed to the brink of collapse. This is the painful and undeniable reality—yet half of Americans refuse to accept the science. They continue to vote for leaders who shape domestic and international policies based on denial and misinformation. Despite the tireless efforts of scientists, activists, journalists, and policymakers, climate denial remains deeply entrenched.

Environmental protection is, without question, one of the most urgent challenges facing humanity—but we are not confronting it as a united front. Instead, the fight for the planet is waged in countless, scattered battles: scientists racing to document vanishing species, activists working to reclaim their institutions, Indigenous communities defending their land and culture against destruction.

Despite the challenges we face, there is good news: the network of individuals fighting for conservation is real, and it is stronger than ever. Across the globe, people have been building knowledge, protecting ecosystems, and defending biodiversity. Indigenous communities have not only safeguarded their lands but have also built institutions to ensure their voices are heard. Scientists and conservationists have spent decades exchanging knowledge, expanding our understanding of species and ecosystems, and developing solutions that will guide us forward.

In this era of political uncertainty and geopolitical instability, we must do everything in our power to maintain and strengthen these connections. Conservation has always been a collective effort, and the institutions that support it—whether scientific, governmental, or grassroots—are more important than ever. The International Conservation Fund is privileged to work alongside incredible partners around the world, many of whom face great challenges and uncertainty. But we remain committed to this work, to them, and to building upon the hard-won achievements of those who came before us.

There are thousands of conservation projects around the world that go unnoticed and millions of individuals holding invaluable knowledge and skills—each representing a piece of a puzzle we must solve together. The pieces fit; we just need to connect them, strengthen them, and ensure they endure. Take a moment to explore the partners that ICF supports. Learn about their projects, amplify their work, and contribute to conservation efforts that will leave a lasting impact—one that ripples across generations and ecosystems.