Both studies of ecology and environmental activism are essential for the survival of the human species.  You'll find most environmental activists are protesting or taking non-violent direct action because they care deeply about the survival of humanity, as well as nature.  Chaining oneself to a bulldozer or standing in front of trees to protect them may feel futile, and too small an act to be worth the fuss and risk of arrest.  Activists don't do these things for fun or for money, it actually cost a lot of time and money to do these things (transportation, time off work) and they are brave actions by people who recognise the urgency of our environmental situation.  Usually there is a very good reason for what they are doing.  For example paper should not be made from trees, it should be made from hemp and other materials.  An activist can only do so much, they can chain themself to a tree sending the strong message of what they are against, but may not be given the voice to explain what they are for.  Also, at such events often the debate is of a very high standard, much higher than that in parliament (talking about the UK here).

Remember, there are very powerful forces at work out there to make environmental activists look like loonies and eccentrics in order to discredit them.  It doesn't surprise me that the mainstream look down on them having been appeased into non-action by propaganda.  If you go to such an event you'll probably be impressed and forever changed by how well educated and informed the activists are, and by how the media have falsely portrayed them.