'pro-environmentalism' originates from Modern English, formed by combining the prefix 'pro-' (meaning 'in favor of') with the noun 'environmentalism' (concern for the natural environment); the element 'environmentalism' itself combines 'environment' + the suffix '-ism'.

'environmentalism' developed from the adjective 'environmental' (from 'environment' + '-al') and the suffix '-ism' (doctrine or movement). 'Environment' comes ultimately from Old French 'environ' (to surround) and Latin roots meaning 'around' or 'surroundings'. The modern compound 'pro-environmentalism' formed in 20th-century English as environmental concerns grew.

Initially, 'environmentalism' and related terms focused largely on organized movements and doctrines supporting nature conservation; over time, the compound 'pro-environmentalism' broadened to cover both ideology and specific behaviors, policies, and practices aimed at protecting the environment.