Now is the Time for American Conservatives and Independents to Lead the Charge in Protecting Nature

A view from the trail this past week in Breckenridge, Colorado

Environmentalism has, unfortunately, become a highly partisan issue. As Hollywood hitmaker and bestselling author Michael Crichton warned in the early 2000s, we must be cautious of the environmental movement’s shift towards a form of modern-day religiosity. This isn’t because environmentalism itself isn’t crucial, but because its misuse by political forces can lead to misguided priorities. Activists have turned environmentalism into a political wedge issue, diverting focus away from genuine conservation efforts and towards profit-driven industries and trend-oriented talking points.

Despite the partisan divide, protecting nature should be a bipartisan cause. True environmental stewardship is about more than reducing carbon footprints or promoting green energy. It’s about preserving wild spaces, restoring natural habitats, and maintaining biodiversity. One of the most effective ways to regulate the earth’s temperature is by expanding wild spaces—more wetlands, more beavers for natural flood control, more trees, and the protection of keystone species like bison and wolves. Healthy ecosystems are the best climate regulators.

The current political landscape is more divisive than ever, but one question remains: who will protect our natural environment if elected? While Democrats often emphasize climate protection, their policies frequently overlook the preservation of nature and habitats. In contrast, figures like Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have shown a greater appreciation for the importance of rewilding and nature conservation. They have also both exhibited the willingness to discuss these issues without spiralling out of control into rhetorical nonsense.

Yes, we need open dialogue about energy policy and the role of new drilling and mining, but because America is such a large country—almost the size of a continent—the solution lies in a pragmatic approach consisting of hydro, nuclear, renewables, and legacy fossil fuels.

If we care about the future of our planet, conservatives have the opportunity to reclaim their role as the original conservationists. True environmentalism is about maintaining the natural world for future generations, and that’s a cause we should all support—regardless of party affiliation.

As the American Conservative Coalition stated:

Roosevelt expanded national parks

Nixon created the EPA

Reagan signed the Montreal Protocol

Bush created the Clean Water Act

Trump signed the Great American Outdoors Act