Environment

The Seventies saw a tremendous interest in the environment. Previously many who at that time called themselves conservationists thought of nature as a place to see beauty and some even found spirituality in the grandeur. Environmentalists also see the beauty of nature but seek to preserve natural systems.

The changes found in the mid-century developed into a new science called, “ecology”. Ecology is the, “science of the inter-relatedness of the natural world.” (The Unfinished Nation 856) This new science dedicated itself to the understanding that all in nature is truly, “inter-related”. Ecologists differ from environmentalists in that they are mainly concerned with gathering of information in a geographical area. This includes plants and animals.

Our forests, air, water and animal species are all one problem that needed to be dealt with as one issue. The study of ecology grew in leaps in bounds by the end of the century.

There are many groups and agencies dedicated to the environment including the Sierra Club, The Wilderness Society and the National Audubon Society. These groups of activists formed new professions in the legal and political fields where they could make their voices heard. Lobbyists, “used traditional techniques of political persuasion with legislators” (The Unfinished Nation, 857) Lawyers, “fought battles with government agencies and in the courts.” (Unfinished Nation 858) It was necessary for the ecologists and environmentalists to fight the battle on a level playing field with the corporations and organizations fighting against their goals.

Many feel that the greater force in fighting the eroding environment was the obvious deteriorating of air and water conditions. Water pollution, “was becoming so widespread that almost every major city was dealing with the unpleasant sight and odor.” The air was being polluted by cars, factories and power plants.

On April 22, 1970 many citizens of the United States and elsewhere...