By: Ava Smith
Photo from: HISTORY
The celebration of Earth Day as a holiday began 50 years ago, but the principles of this movement are still prevalent today.Looking back at the first Earth Day can show how a generation was inspired, the attention of the event, and the parallels between modern day environmentalism. Adam Rome, author of The Genius of Earth Day: How a 1970 Teach-in Unexpectedly made The First Green Generation understands the significance of this event and the impact it made on almost everybody. In this book, Rome claims that Earth Day is ironically the “most famous little known event in modern day U.S. history.” However, despite the fact that Earth Day is celebrated every year across the globe, many don’t know where the holiday originates.
Published in 1962, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring shined a light on the deadly effects of pesticides, and laid the foundations for an environmental uprising in America. Carson’s book focused mostly on the use of a pesticide called DDT, which was commonly used to spray crops. Carson continuously addressed how the spraying of DDT killed insects and birds, and ultimately affected the food chain, and in turn--humans. Throughout the 1960’s, Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson fought for implementing environmental friendly policies, but he was commonly met with opposition. Seven years after this kickstart, Gaylord Nelson called for a national teach-in, a popular educational platform used in the 1960’s and 1970's to boost activism and spread information. Nelson, an active environmentalist, announced his plan for Earth Day in October 1969, allowing environmental organizers and the media to pick it up. The brand new event was broadcasted almost everywhere. Sports Illustrated even published an article on it, and the news spread to children’s networks such as Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Advertisements for the big day were pictured in major magazines as well, including the New York Times. This widespread influx of information led to a massive interest and environmental education.
An Earth Day Ad. Photo from: Environmental Activism in Michigan
A wave of environmentalism swept the country, and people realized the devastating effects of their actions.. On April 22nd, 1970, millions of Americans participated in environmental activism rallies and marches, many of which were college students. The result of this outbreak in environmentalism led to the passage of the Clean Water, establishing regulations for the chemicals in water, and the Endangered Species Act, aiming to conserve species facing extinction. Soon after these acts were established, in July of 1970, the Environmental Protection Agency was created, which provided pollution regulations, such as waste management and water plants, as well as holding major polluters accountable. Additionally, Earth Day brought the subject of environmentalism to politics on both sides of the political spectrum.
In 2020, Earth Day celebrated its 50 year anniversary. The same environmentalist movement from the 1970’s is continuing today with the help of strong activists like Greta Thunberg and her School Strike for Climate. However, as the climate crisis continues, more aggressive action is needed. Although the movement remains powerful, the response of leaders has not been as prominent. The issue of climate change and our planet is now up for debate in the political world. It is clear, now more than ever, that change is needed desperately. To quote the activists of the 1970’s―give Earth a chance.
Photo from: The World
Discussion Questions
Do you know anyone who participated in the first Earth Day in 1970?
How can we all continue the modern day environmental movement?