The modern environmental movement happened at different times in all parts of the world. However, in the United States, it began in the 1960s and focused on a few main environmental disasters that were happening at this time.

Environmentalism involves many different movements and does not embody one sole issue. All policies local, state, and federal are impacted by the environmental movement. Environmental concerns are becoming more prominent within the American population especially within the past 50 years.

There were many reasons that the environmental movement began in America and some of the main reasons were due to the growing concern over hydrogen bomb testing, and the reoccurring oil spills off the coast of California. One of the more well-known reasons for the creation of the modern environmental movement is the use of insecticides and other chemicals. Rachel Carson (a Chatham alum) became famous for writing about the harmful effects of DDT and published her book Silent Spring 

As previously mentioned, the environmental movement had many different aspects but one of the main components was the growing concern over water and air pollution. The 1970s brought about a different era of environmentalism. The Environmental Protection Agency was created in 1970 by President Nixon. The Clean Water Act of 1972 brought a basic framework for water regulations in the US, and the Clean Air Act of 1970 focused on the control of air pollution.

While the environmental movement today looks different and focuses on the impending dread of Climate Change, the socio-economic-environmental justice, and corporate social responsibility there are still aspects that go back to the beginning of the movement.

History of Environmental Photography