George Perkins Marsh

George Perkins Marsh (1829–1882) was an American diplomat, scholar, and environmentalist who is considered a pioneering figure in recognizing human impact on nature. His best-known work, "Man and Nature" (1864), explained how human activities like deforestation and agriculture could damage the environment and threaten resources. Marsh’s ideas laid the foundation for modern environmentalism, emphasizing that natural resources are limited and need careful management. His insights helped shift perspectives, highlighting the interconnectedness of human actions and environmental health, and inspiring future efforts to protect and conserve the natural world.