Most important as an example of his accomplishment of Adler's societal tasks was his activity as an environmentalist. Adler's view was that people have innate social interest. i.e., "to live in harmony and friendship with others and to aspire toward the development of the perfect society."17 Ansel's goal was certainly to make the world in which we live a beautiful and peaceful place and to preserve its natural wonders and esthetics as much as possible. He believed in communication, communication for the betterment of society. He believed "a balanced approach to the environment and its significance to humanity is essential....Our reason for being is not to destroy civilization but to assist in guiding it to constructive attitudes."18 Realizing, especially in the beginning before becoming so well known, carrying on this task alone would not have a great impact. As in the formation of Group f/64 to champion photography, he was instrumental in leading and organizing major environmental groups such as the Sierra Club and the more activist Friends of the Earth.
While much of his artistic effort took him on solitary treks in the mountains and long hours in the darkroom his social side was fully formed, working with scientists as well as creative artists on one hand, and politicians and environmentalists on the other. Getting involved and taking a stand, again in his own non-traditional way. His photographs were to speak for him on many occasions; in Sierra Club pamphlets in his early years and later they brought him notoriety and recognition, allowing him to take his message to the Secretary of the Interior, and the President, who at the time wanted to desecrate the land. When words failed him, his work spoke louder than ever.
Another major societal area of influence was in his defense of the art of photography*.
