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The Rise of Environmentalism. Rachael Carson Marine Biologist Wrote the book Silent Spring about use of pesticides Warned of “silent spring” with no birds due to deaths caused by DDT and other chemicals Yannacones : Long Island, NY - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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The Rise of EnvironmentalismRachael Carson
Marine BiologistWrote the book Silent Spring about use of pesticidesWarned of “silent spring” with no birds due to deaths caused by DDT and other chemicals
Yannacones: Long Island, NYLearned officials were using DDT to control
mosquitoesConcern for local lakes and streamsScientists confirmed their concerns
The RepercussionsYannacones sue local government to stop use of
pesticides—they win the court case
Scientists realize that courts are the best strategy
Environmental Defense Fund is formedChallenged DDT spraying across the countryUltimately led to banning of all DDT spraying in 1972
•DDT was not always a concern for Americans.
• In fact, the US Department of Agriculture advertised for the usage of DDT during the 1940’s and 1950’s!
American ViewsCarson’s Silent Spring sent warnings
Rivers no longer safe for swimming and fishing
Smog hanging over major cities
Timber companies destroying forest
Oil Spill (California 1969) killed birds and fish while destroying beaches
American views (continued)Dam project in Florida killed
millions of birds and fish
Lake Erie fishing population decimated by pollution and garbage
Citizens convinced these were signs to take action
Environmentalism BeginsApril 1970
First Earth Day celebrationMillions of Americans participatedFormation of local groups
Examples of Groups:Audubon Society, Sierra Club, Wilderness Society had
huge increases in membership and influence Goals: Protect the environment and promote conservation
of national resources1970: Activists start Natural Resources Defense
Council with scientists and lawyers
New GoalsCities attempt to
reduce urban sprawl
Expansion of green spaces
Energy efficiency in building projects
Reforestation
Environmental Protection AgencyStarted in 1970 when Nixon signed the
National Environmental Policy Act
Set and enforced pollution standards, promoted research, and directed anti-pollution activities with governments
New LegislationClean Air Act (1970)
Emissions standards for factories and automobiles
Clean Water Act (1972)Restrictions on discharge of pollutants in lakes and rivers
Endangered Species Act (1973)Spaces for threatened plant and animal species
EffectsReduced SmogDecline in stream and lake pollution
Love CanalCommunity Activists near Niagara Falls
High amounts of health issuesNerve damage, blood diseases, cancer, birth
defects, and high amounts of miscarriages
Residents find out about Love Canal’s historyToxic-waste dumpHazardous materials spreading
Love Canal (continued)Residents demanded for government intervention
1978: National attentionState finally relocates families (200 total)Public pressure key
1980: Declared a federal disaster area by President Carter600 more families moved
1983: Love Canal residents sue the company owning the dump and settled for $20 million
Nuclear EnergyDebates of usage
Pro: Cleaner energy, less expensive alternative to fossil fuels
Con: risks of radiation release and waste, environment effects?
Debate gains attention on March 28, 1979Why?
Three Mile IslandNuclear facility outside Harrisburg, PA
Cooling system failed causing the system of overheatOfficials scrambled to fix problemLow levels of radiation releasedEvacuations, then protestsReactor closed down, leak fixedNuclear Regulatory Commission
declares plant safe