In many cases, people were simply not aware or were unconcerned of the long-term effects widespread pollution could have on the environment. However, attempts were made in small steps but largely fell on deaf ears for decades, even centuries.

For example, the water closet, or better known as a "flushing toilet" was invented by Sir John Harrington in 1589 to help better dispose of waste and raw sewage. But the invention didn't catch on until 1778 after Joseph Bramah patented the idea and began marketing it.

in 1661, John Evelyn wrote Fumifugium, or, The inconveniencie of the aer and smoak^1 of London dissipated. This book was written to propose remedies to London's air pollution problem. Many of the solutions included creating large public parks and planting flowers.

Moving away from England and over to Japan, the Shogun in 1666 warned against the danger of erosion, stream siltation, and the dangers of flooding from deforestation. He urged people to plant tree seedlings to counter this issue.

Back in Europe at the end of the 17th century, Paris became the first major city with an extensive sewage system.^2

So to bring the answer to a formal conclusion, yes, there were environmental thinkers in the 16th and 17th century but not nearly on the scale we see today.

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^Redditor ^Notes

^1: ^Modern ^interpretation ^is ^'air ^and ^smoke' ^for ^those ^unsure

^2: ^This ^network ^was ^made ^of ^bricks!