3. The Rise of Environmentalism and Earth Day
On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day galvanized millions of Americans, sparking a grassroots movement for environmental protection. This surge of activism led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) later that year, marking a pivotal shift in U.S. policy. The 1970s saw landmark legislation like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, laying the foundation for today’s green initiatives. The spirit of environmentalism ignited in this era continues to shape global conversations on sustainability and climate change.
