Environmental Awareness and Legislation

The video discusses the rise of environmental awareness starting with Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring', which highlighted the dangers of pesticides. This led to increased public concern and the eventual ban of DDT. Earth Day was established in 1970, and the EPA was created under Nixon to regulate pollution. The discovery of oil in Alaska raised environmental and native rights issues, leading to significant legislative actions. The 1970s also saw debates over nuclear energy, highlighted by the 3M Island incident. Environmental disasters like Love Canal spurred government cleanup efforts. The ongoing debate between economic growth and conservation continues, with growing support for environmental preservation.

What was the main environmental concern highlighted by Rachel Carson's book 'Silent Spring'?

• Water scarcity

• Air pollution

• Pesticide impact on wildlife

• Deforestation

Which U.S. President established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?

• Lyndon B. Johnson

• Jimmy Carter

• John F. Kennedy

• Richard Nixon

What was the primary purpose of the Clean Air Act signed in 1970?

• To regulate pesticide use

• To reduce air pollution from factories and vehicles

• To protect endangered species

• To manage water resources

What significant event in Alaska in 1968 led to environmental and indigenous rights concerns?

• Discovery of gold

• Establishment of a national park

• Discovery of oil

• Construction of a dam

Which act granted land to Alaska's native tribes in 1971?

• National Parks Act

• Clean Water Act

• Endangered Species Act

• Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act

What was the public perception of nuclear energy in the 1970s before the Three Mile Island incident?

• Cheap, abundant, and safe

• Environmentally friendly

• Unreliable and inefficient

• Dangerous and costly

What was the main consequence of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant accident?

• Immediate shutdown of all nuclear plants

• Heightened awareness of nuclear dangers

• Increased nuclear energy production

• Decreased government regulation

What environmental disaster occurred at Love Canal in New York?

• Nuclear meltdown

• Chemical exposure leading to birth defects

• Oil spill

• Forest fire

What role did private nonprofit groups play in environmental preservation?

• They focused on economic growth

• They opposed all government regulations

• They advocated for environmental laws

• They funded industrial projects

What is the ongoing debate in today's environmental discussions?

• Between renewable and non-renewable energy

• Between economic growth and environmental conservation

• Between urban and rural development

• Between national and international policies