Activity Quote by Wangari Maathai
“We see that the environment is something to exploit, because we see the environment in terms of minerals for example, or forests, or even raw materials that we produce on our land, or even land itself. We see it in terms of what we can exploit rather than the medium in which all of these activities have to take place.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Environmental Advocacy Talk, 2004
The environment is viewed merely as a resource to be used, ignoring its role as the essential foundation for all activities.
In simple terms: People treat nature as a tool, not a home.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and respect the environment as a vital platform.
Themes
environmentalism
exploitation
sustainability
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
ethical
policy-oriented
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- industrial development
- agricultural policy
- resource extraction
Key Concepts
resource management
ecological ethics
systems thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How might policies change if we see land as a living system?
- What responsibilities arise from viewing nature as a platform?
A Different Perspective
Treating nature only as a commodity can lead to long‑term degradation.
