As humans we have a responsibility to protect ourselves, others and our environment. The term environment refers to a complex set of social/cultural conditions that affect an individual or community. However, there are events and processes that occur in the environment over which humans have no control. Environmental science, the systematic study of processes and materials in our environment, identifies temperature, precipitation, and humidity as some natural conditions. Natural conditions force us to be reactive, while things we can control, such as consumption and waste, allow us to be proactive. Two philosophies were developed in the past as part of early environmental consciousness. Utilitarian conservation states that resources should be used for the greatest good for the greatest number of people and for the longest time. Biocentric conservation, on the other hand, emphasizes the fundamental right of living organisms to exist and pursue their goods. Early schools of thought and growing concerns such as fossil fuel issues, air and water pollution, and biodiversity loss have led to modern environmentalism, active participation in attempts to resolve environmental pollution and resource problems. This term reinforces the idea that humans have a responsibility to protect the environment. Similarly, global environmentalism is a concern or action to help solve global environmental problems. Solving problems globally is certainly no small task. Some of the issues in question include: access to clean water, food supplies, energy, climate change, air pollution and biodiversity loss. In order to solve any problem, an individual must think critically. To think critically, an individual can make a difference, but efforts are much stronger when things are done collectively by a group, community, city or state. As mentioned above, you don't have to fully understand the environment, science, matter, and evolution to recognize that these natural phenomena are strong and impact the world as we know it. Perhaps the best way to live sustainably is to live an exemplary life for others to follow. Not only do people benefit from sustainable communities and habitats, but animals, plants and everything else in nature benefit too. There is an old expression that affirms life as we make it; the same can be said, to a certain extent, of the environment. Of course there are things beyond the control of humans, but with the things we can control, it is in the best interest of everyone and everything to be as proactive and wise as possible with things.