1970s: The Birth of Environmentalism

Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970”- I learned this while doing my history reading assignment on topics related to the Vietnam War. The 1970s not only introduced the struggle with economic recession, governmental betrayal, and social division, but also marked the united efforts of The U.S. legislating its way to a healthier environment.

A series of serious ecological crises during the Vietnam War like oil spoiling, river pollution and nuclear accidents signify the fragility of the environment. Through realizing the limitation of finite natural resources. The modern environmental movement focused on conserving and protecting the environment from the consequences of human action. Congress then authorized the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), followed by the celebration of the first Earth Day on April 22nd, 1970. This is definitely a turning point for U.S. environmentalism, capturing the growing activism of the 1960s and putting the country on track to produce major environmental regulations and initiatives.

Earth Day resulted from an emergency investigation to restore the “fading sustainable Environment” under vile condition. However, “As we move out of the emergency response phase, do we put investments into the economy of the future, or do we put everything back to where it was?” said Robert Kopp, a climate scientist at Rutgers University.” Environmental protection is not temporary, but a responsibility that people should be constantly reminded and committed to. The annual celebration of Earth Day draws our attention to the environment and promotes conservation and sustainability. This is a long-lasting process and by taking part in activities like picking up litter or planting trees, we're stabilizing our world into a happier, healthier place to live~

Reference 

Norton, Mary Beth, et al. A People and a Nation: A History of the United States. Wadsworth, 2015. 

“Environmental Movement Timeline.” Timetoast Timelines, https://www.timetoast.com/timelines/environmental-movement-896d0bcc-b577-4153-80f0-3299131ad083.