The protection of the environment is a practice of protecting the environment in individuals, organizations controlled at the governmental level, for the benefit of both the environment and human beings. Due to the pressures of excessive consumption, population and technology, the biophysical environment is degrading, sometimes permanently. This has been recognized and governments have begun to place restrictions on activities that cause environmental degradation. Since the 1960s, the activity of environmental movements has created awareness of various environmental problems. There is no agreement on the scope of the environmental impact of human activity and even scientific dishonesty occurs, so protection measures are occasionally discussed.
The discussion on environmental protection often focuses on the role of government, legislation and law enforcement. However, in its broadest sense, the protection of the environment can be seen as the responsibility of all people and not simply the government. Decisions that impact the environment will ideally involve a wide range of stakeholders, including industry, indigenous groups, environmental groups and community representatives. Gradually, environmental decision-making processes are evolving to reflect this broad base of stakeholders and are increasingly collaborative in many countries.
Many constitutions recognize the fundamental right to protection of the environment and many international treaties recognize the right to live in a healthy environment. Also many countries have organizations and agencies dedicated to environmental protection. There are international organizations for environmental protection, such as the United Nations Environment Program.