Saving Planet Earth. Chapter 18 - Section 4

Transcription

1 Saving Planet Earth Chapter 18 - Section 4

2 Overview During the 1960 s and 1970 s, Americans became more aware of environmental problems. As the dangers of pesticides such as DDT became known, individuals and groups began efforts to halt their use. The environmental movement gained support and the government began to take action by establishing the E.P.A. - Environmental Protection Agency -.Congress also passed several acts aimed at protecting the nations air, water, and endangered species. Many citizens also concerned with nuclear energy and its effect on peoples health and the environment. A new consumer movement led to new legislation to protect consumers from defective and unsafe products, including automobiles.

3 Beginning of Environmentalism Carol Yannacone - lived in NY, learned NYC officials were using DDT to control mosquitos dichlor-diphenyl-trichlorethylene - DDT Concerned the DDT would poison lakes, streams and animals Husband send water sample to scientist to examine - found DDT poisoned lakes and animals Filed law suit - won - Halted DDT spraying

4 Rachel Carson - Silent Spring Rachel Carson wrote Silent Spring Became one of the most powerful books in the 1960 s About DDT killing birds, fish & other animals Over 500,000 books sold in 6mo. Scientists tried hard to discredit Carson Public took her warning seriously and began to focus on environmental issues

5 EPA - Environmental Protection Agency WIth the Environmental movement gaining support - the Govt created: EPA -Environmental Protection Agency EPA - Set and enforce pollution standards and promote research Clean Air Act - set emission standards for cars & factories Clean Water Act - restricted discharge of pollutants into lakes and rivers

6 Love Canal - NY Residents of Love Canal housing development noticed a rising number of health issues in their community E.g. nerve damage, blood disease, cancer, miscarriages, and birth defects. People learned that their community sat on top of a toxic waste dump - waste leaked into the ground and water system Many families were moved but not all in After years of protests - President Carter declared Love Canal a disaster Area Residence sued and settled for $20 Mil.- Site was cleaned up, sealed up, and homes were burned link

7 Nuclear Energy During the 1970 s - citizens expressed concern over the growth of nuclear power & safety Nuclear plants created to find a cleaner and less expensive alternative to Fossil Fuels e.g. (coal. oil, natural gas) Three Mile Island (Pa.)- Nuclear facility overheated - cooling system failed - radiation escaped from reactor Citizens concerned about fallout Since TMI - 60 nuclear plants have been abandoned or closed down No facilities have been built since

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9 Consumer Safety During the 1960 s & 1970 s - Citizens began to questions the safety of Advanced Technology Citizens demanded more product safety, accurate information, and government involvement Ralph Nader - focused on auto fatalities in his book Unsafe at Any Speed Stating - auto manufacturers put style, looks and speed above safety Congress passed - National Traffic and Motor Safety Act 1966 (federal safety regulations on cars) Required seat belts, door locks, safe fuel tanks, notify consumers of defects (Recalls) Organization went on to regulate toy industry, flammable fabrics, unsafe meat & poultry

10 Earth Day April became the unofficial beginning of the environmental movement That month, first Earth Day was held April 22 - Earth Day A day devoted to address the environmental issues of the U.S.

11 Debate Over Environmentalism World Health Organization states DDT saved over 25 million lives by killing mosquitos When DDT was banned - Malaria and Typhus cases began to rise Nuclear Power Safe? - Coal power plants are dangerous - pollute the environment - miners develop Black Lung - Die in mine collapses Having Power plants reduce pollution - require cleaner air - require higher safety standards also drives up consumer costs What is the right choice?

12 Questions???