History of Environmentalism and Key Figures

What is the difference between conservation and preservation?

Conservation involves keeping resources while making changes, whereas preservation means keeping things in their original state to maintain their beauty.

What organization is known for conserving and remaking natural ecosystems, particularly for birds?

The Audubon Society.

Who is Aldo Leopold and what is he known for?

Aldo Leopold was a popular ecological scientist and conservationist known for his transformative experience while hunting wolves, which led him to advocate for wildlife conservation.

What is Hetch Hetchy and why was it significant?

Hetch Hetchy is a giant reservoir in the west created by damming rivers, which resulted in the flooding of the area.

What was John Muir's stance on the Hetch Hetchy dam?

John Muir was a preservationist who opposed the dam, and he died shortly after it was built.

What was Gifford Pinchot's position regarding the Hetch Hetchy dam?

Gifford Pinchot supported the construction of the dam to increase water supply.

What is the Sierra Club known for?

The Sierra Club is a national park conservation organization that became more active under the leadership of David Brower.

What was the Colorado River Storage Project and its impact on Dinosaur National Monument?

The project aimed to drain the river and build a dam, but David Brower negotiated to save Dinosaur National Monument in exchange for Glen Canyon.

What is Glen Canyon known for?

Glen Canyon is known for its beauty and was given up to save Dinosaur National Monument.

What was the controversy surrounding the Grand Canyon and hydroelectric power?

There was a proposal to dam the Grand Canyon for hydroelectric power, which led to a conflict between David Brower and Stewart Udall.

What was Stewart Udall's position on the Grand Canyon dam?

Stewart Udall supported the hydroelectric dam in the Grand Canyon to provide power.

What happened between the IRS and the Sierra Club?

The IRS revoked the Sierra Club's non-profit status, which backfired and increased public support for the organization.

Who was Lady Bird Johnson and what was her connection to environmentalism?

Lady Bird Johnson, the wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson, was an environmentalist who loved nature and birds.

What significant environmental victories occurred during the 1960s?

The Clean Air Act was passed, numerous national parks were established, and central parks were created.

What was the Earth Day movement in 1970?

Earth Day 1970 was a large movement aimed at addressing pollution and promoting environmental change.

Who was Rachel Carson and what was her contribution to environmentalism?

Rachel Carson wrote 'Silent Spring,' which influenced the second wave of environmentalism by raising awareness about the dangers of chemical use.

What was the National Resources Defense Council's role in environmental protection?

The National Resources Defense Council enforced environmental regulations and sued polluters to protect the environment.

What happened in Love Canal?

Love Canal was a site where Hooker Chemical dumped hazardous waste, leading to severe health issues and a community movement for clean water and air.

What was James Watt's role during the Reagan administration?

James Watt was the Secretary of the Interior who promoted the use of federal land for commercial purposes.

What was the environmental justice issue highlighted during the Reagan years?

Environmental justice issues arose as waste dumps were disproportionately located in predominantly black neighborhoods.

What was the Chipko movement?

The Chipko movement involved women hugging trees to prevent logging, making them the original 'tree huggers'.

What is the Gaia Hypothesis?

The Gaia Hypothesis suggests that the Earth is a living organism rather than a machine.

What was the purpose of the Earth Summit?

The Earth Summit was a United Nations conference focused on environmental issues, particularly rainforest conservation.

What was the Kyoto Protocol?

The Kyoto Protocol aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but the United States did not ratify it.

What was the significance of Hurricane Katrina in relation to climate change?

Hurricane Katrina highlighted the severe effects of climate change and its impact on communities.

What is the 350 Campaign?

The 350 Campaign advocates for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels to 350 parts per million to combat climate change.

What were the Paris Accords?

The Paris Accords are international agreements aimed at addressing climate change, but U.S. participation has been contentious.