2.1 Early Environmental Movements and Legislation

The early conservation movement emerged in the late 19th century as a response to rapid industrialization. Key figures like John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt championed efforts to protect wilderness areas, leading to the creation of national parks and forests.

Modern environmentalism took shape in the 1960s, sparked by Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring." This period saw increased public awareness of environmental issues, culminating in the first Earth Day in 1970 and passage of landmark environmental legislation.

Early Conservation Movement

Origins and Key Figures of the Conservation Movement

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• Conservation movement emerged in late 19th century as response to rapid industrialization and resource depletion
• Progressive Era (1890s-1920s) fostered political and social reforms, including environmental protection
• John Muir advocated for wilderness preservation and founded Sierra Club in 1892
  • Wrote influential books and articles promoting nature conservation
  • Campaigned to establish Yosemite National Park
• Theodore Roosevelt championed conservation efforts during his presidency (1901-1909)
  • Created 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, and 5 national parks
  • Established U.S. Forest Service in 1905, appointing Gifford Pinchot as its first chief

Legislative Milestones and Institutional Developments

• National Park Service established in 1916 to manage and protect national parks and monuments
  • Unified management of existing parks under one federal agency
  • Promoted conservation and public enjoyment of natural and cultural resources
• Antiquities Act of 1906 authorized presidents to designate national monuments
  • Allowed for quick protection of threatened landscapes and cultural sites
  • Led to creation of numerous national monuments (Grand Canyon, Devil's Tower)
• Wilderness preservation concept gained traction in early 20th century
  • Emphasized protecting pristine natural areas from human development
  • Culminated in passage of Wilderness Act of 1964, defining and protecting wilderness areas

Rise of Modern Environmentalism

Rachel Carson and Silent Spring

• Rachel Carson published Silent Spring in 1962, sparking modern environmental movement
  • Exposed harmful effects of pesticides, particularly DDT, on wildlife and human health
  • Challenged chemical industry and government regulatory practices
• Silent Spring's impact included:
  • Increased public awareness of environmental issues
  • Led to ban on DDT in United States in 1972
  • Influenced creation of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970

Earth Day and Environmental Awareness

• First Earth Day celebrated on April 22, 1970
  • Organized by Senator Gaylord Nelson to raise environmental awareness
  • Involved 20 million Americans in demonstrations, teach-ins, and clean-up activities
• Earth Day's legacy includes:
  • Annual global celebration of environmental protection
  • Catalyst for passage of major environmental legislation (Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act)
  • Heightened public engagement in environmental issues and activism