CLIMATE CONVERSATIONS: Treehugger

Did you ever wonder about the origin and history of the word, “treehugger?” It all began in India as early as 1730, when members of the Bishnoi community physically embraced trees to keep them from being cut down by British forces. Over 350 people were killed. Yet, this act became a powerful symbol of nonviolent resistance.

Then, in the 1970s, this strategy was repeated in another Indian community to prevent the harvesting of hornbeam trees to manufacture tennis rackets of all things. In this case, the treehuggers managed to get the government to protect their beloved trees.

In the 1970s and 1980s in the United States, treehugger became a somewhat mocking or even negative term applied to environmentalists to suggest naiveté or even extremism regarding their activities.

However, presently the word is being reprised with pride by environmental activists. “Treehugger” has even been used as the name of an environmental website. This is aimed at recognizing the roots and acts of sacrifice employed in the pursuit of environmental resistance.