The Environment
Concerning the Environment, the government has the power to establish regulations in order to give strength to the people’s beliefs. All persons shall then abide by these points unless however, the people find flaws in the proceedings in which case, it shall be brought to the appropriate government level for further evaluation and solution.
“If we look at real world conditions and trends, we see that we are winning victories but losing the planet, to the point that a ruined world looms as a real prospect for our children and grandchildren.”
Specific Events
Throughout history there have been many specific instances where the government or the people have had to intervene with the actions of another group in order to insure the safety of the environment and for the good of the American future.
To find an example of this type of “emergency action”, one may look at Rachel Carson’s history changing book, Silent Spring. The book was published in 1962 and its effect on the people of America was incredible in that it showed the people a world where there were no birds to welcome the spring season. It painted an erie image in the American Mind of a desolate, dead forest with no deer, no squirrels no green, and no birds. It was the founding theme that led to the establishment of numerous conservation and environmental protection agencies and groups as well as reminding America just how destructive its people could be. A year after the book’s publication, Carson also contributed to the ban of some pesticides by testifying against them before a senate subcommittee. Both her actions along with the actions inspired by her book and the actions of other individuals have all served in the great battle against environmental destruction everywhere.
Or perhaps the observer would find the accomplishments of the Sierra Club, founded in 1892, as good reference to how the people have geared their ideas into action. These accomplishments included the club's contributing authority in the establishment of the National Park Service.
Another may look into the actions taken by President Theodore Roosevelt and the government. From 1901-1909 during his presidency, not only did 225 million acres of land become part of the National Forest, but approximately 50 wildlife refuges were established and 150 National Parks were created. The man left a mark on American History forever.
Throughout history, individuals, groups and the government have all played an incredibly important role in the conservation of not only America, but of many places all around the globe.
Throughout history there have been many specific instances where the government or the people have had to intervene with the actions of another group in order to insure the safety of the environment and for the good of the American future.
To find an example of this type of “emergency action”, one may look at Rachel Carson’s history changing book, Silent Spring. The book was published in 1962 and its effect on the people of America was incredible in that it showed the people a world where there were no birds to welcome the spring season. It painted an erie image in the American Mind of a desolate, dead forest with no deer, no squirrels no green, and no birds. It was the founding theme that led to the establishment of numerous conservation and environmental protection agencies and groups as well as reminding America just how destructive its people could be. A year after the book’s publication, Carson also contributed to the ban of some pesticides by testifying against them before a senate subcommittee. Both her actions along with the actions inspired by her book and the actions of other individuals have all served in the great battle against environmental destruction everywhere.
Or perhaps the observer would find the accomplishments of the Sierra Club, founded in 1892, as good reference to how the people have geared their ideas into action. These accomplishments included the club's contributing authority in the establishment of the National Park Service.
Another may look into the actions taken by President Theodore Roosevelt and the government. From 1901-1909 during his presidency, not only did 225 million acres of land become part of the National Forest, but approximately 50 wildlife refuges were established and 150 National Parks were created. The man left a mark on American History forever.
Throughout history, individuals, groups and the government have all played an incredibly important role in the conservation of not only America, but of many places all around the globe.
Context
When looking at the environment, there are three levels that seem to dominate what the topic really focuses on; economic, political and ideological.
When looking at the environment, there are three levels that seem to dominate what the topic really focuses on; economic, political and ideological.
Economic: The economy runs off of production and the money associated with that
production. Without this, the economy would fail and America would cease to be
the powerful, successful country it is. By taking a look at this production, one
will notice that without natural resources, civilization would go absolutely
nowhere! When questioned how this could happen, it is appropriate to say to go
take a look at matters such as deforestation, CO2 emissions in automobiles,
industry and your everyday careless pollution. Once examined, not even on an
expert level, one can see that all of these things have been weakening and
weakening the environment for as long as they have existed. When making the
connection back to economics, we find that our entire human population would
never have been able to support itself in the first place without natural
resources and their production.
production. Without this, the economy would fail and America would cease to be
the powerful, successful country it is. By taking a look at this production, one
will notice that without natural resources, civilization would go absolutely
nowhere! When questioned how this could happen, it is appropriate to say to go
take a look at matters such as deforestation, CO2 emissions in automobiles,
industry and your everyday careless pollution. Once examined, not even on an
expert level, one can see that all of these things have been weakening and
weakening the environment for as long as they have existed. When making the
connection back to economics, we find that our entire human population would
never have been able to support itself in the first place without natural
resources and their production.
Political: Politically, there always seems to be more than one side to a matter.
Indeed concerning the environment in politics, it is very much the same. Though
both parties do want the environment to become healthier in general, they
constantly seem to disagree on solutions. Rarely is it seen that both political
parties believe in the same solution over any matter. Through the course of all
of this, being “the winner of a matter” often becomes more important than being
the one who has the best solution. This makes solutions that are truly best for
the environment harder to come by and less effective.
Indeed concerning the environment in politics, it is very much the same. Though
both parties do want the environment to become healthier in general, they
constantly seem to disagree on solutions. Rarely is it seen that both political
parties believe in the same solution over any matter. Through the course of all
of this, being “the winner of a matter” often becomes more important than being
the one who has the best solution. This makes solutions that are truly best for
the environment harder to come by and less effective.
Ideological: The environment's struggles are constantly evoking ideas and opinions on what should be done. Once again, there may be many different solutions to the
problems at hand and often there are many different actions, both taken locally and as a government, to benefit one environmental matter. By identifying the specific beliefs and ideas of an individual and then reaching out to the public to find others who share these
ideas, our society has developed groups that all work towards the same goal in a
specific route of action. So as the environment inspires opinions, these are
then generated into ideas and from ideas, come actions.
problems at hand and often there are many different actions, both taken locally and as a government, to benefit one environmental matter. By identifying the specific beliefs and ideas of an individual and then reaching out to the public to find others who share these
ideas, our society has developed groups that all work towards the same goal in a
specific route of action. So as the environment inspires opinions, these are
then generated into ideas and from ideas, come actions.
Historical Development
The Environment has always been an important part of American History and past incidents are constantly serving as references as we find ourselves in current environmental crises. At certain points in the history of our country, either the government or the people have intervened on matters concerning the environment and at these points, tried to make a change.
The Environment has always been an important part of American History and past incidents are constantly serving as references as we find ourselves in current environmental crises. At certain points in the history of our country, either the government or the people have intervened on matters concerning the environment and at these points, tried to make a change.
Industrialization Revolution
In the wake of new technologies to help with industry and the ever flourishing production of goods, the environment suffered a blow. It was here that air pollution first really became a pollutant and a problem. In big cities specifically, the air became so polluted with toxins, gases and fumes that a thin smog would cover them. In more rural areas, natural resources were being harvested and consumed faster than they could be produced. Woodlands became barren for the new demand for wood in construction and other goods. In 1790, Anthracite coal was first discovered in Pennsylvania. This type of coal was much more useful and efficient in the world of industry and booming business. This discovery led directly to more air pollution and it wasn't until 1881, almost a century later, that the first "cleaner air laws" were enacted in Chicago and Cincinnati.
In the wake of new technologies to help with industry and the ever flourishing production of goods, the environment suffered a blow. It was here that air pollution first really became a pollutant and a problem. In big cities specifically, the air became so polluted with toxins, gases and fumes that a thin smog would cover them. In more rural areas, natural resources were being harvested and consumed faster than they could be produced. Woodlands became barren for the new demand for wood in construction and other goods. In 1790, Anthracite coal was first discovered in Pennsylvania. This type of coal was much more useful and efficient in the world of industry and booming business. This discovery led directly to more air pollution and it wasn't until 1881, almost a century later, that the first "cleaner air laws" were enacted in Chicago and Cincinnati.
Westward Migration
With the new ideas and technologies introduced to the American people during the Industial Revolution, the people were given a new ambition and desire to "conquer the great wild west". Many families moved westward to reestablish their way of life or find a new one. They packed their bags and left all the big city behind. As they traveled westward, their surroundings became more and more foreign. The fact that this world was new to them must have brought many emotions with it; fear, curiosity, uncertainty, pride and perhaps most of all, awe. Perhaps it was here, America began to see how beautiful a natural world it had. Perhaps it was this point, that indirectly inspired conservation of the environment for decades to come.
With the new ideas and technologies introduced to the American people during the Industial Revolution, the people were given a new ambition and desire to "conquer the great wild west". Many families moved westward to reestablish their way of life or find a new one. They packed their bags and left all the big city behind. As they traveled westward, their surroundings became more and more foreign. The fact that this world was new to them must have brought many emotions with it; fear, curiosity, uncertainty, pride and perhaps most of all, awe. Perhaps it was here, America began to see how beautiful a natural world it had. Perhaps it was this point, that indirectly inspired conservation of the environment for decades to come.
US as a World Power
With the U.S serving as a world power, many times, sight of the environment was lost. However many smaller groups were put into play to address the issues. The Audubon Society was founded in 1886 by a man named George Grinnell, the publisher of Forest and Stream magazine. Grinnell was dedicated to the protection of many habitats and animals (birds specifically) and the Audubon society put his beliefs into action. In 1887, with the help of Teddy Roosevelt, Grinnell also founded the Boone and Crockett Club, built of an elite group of outdoorsmen. It’s intentions were to promote ethical hunting laws and overall wildlife conservation. The group had many achievements, one including the defense of Yellowstone National Park against mining and railroad interests. The park at that time was still open for commercial exploitation.
With the U.S serving as a world power, many times, sight of the environment was lost. However many smaller groups were put into play to address the issues. The Audubon Society was founded in 1886 by a man named George Grinnell, the publisher of Forest and Stream magazine. Grinnell was dedicated to the protection of many habitats and animals (birds specifically) and the Audubon society put his beliefs into action. In 1887, with the help of Teddy Roosevelt, Grinnell also founded the Boone and Crockett Club, built of an elite group of outdoorsmen. It’s intentions were to promote ethical hunting laws and overall wildlife conservation. The group had many achievements, one including the defense of Yellowstone National Park against mining and railroad interests. The park at that time was still open for commercial exploitation.
Progressive Era
There was much enthusiasm towards the environment during the Progressive era. One of the better-known environmental groups, the Sierra Club, was founded in 1892 and was dedicated to both wilderness preservation and outdoor recreation alike. In 1903, President Roosevelt, orders for the creation of the first national wildlife refuge in Florida. It was later named Pelican Island and bore the words National Wildlife Refuge proudly at the end. Roosevelt was so involved in the environment and preservation that he earned the nickname, “The Conservation President”. The Antiquities Act, passed by Congress and signed by President Roosevelt in 1906, aimed to preserve ancient Native American artifacts. Roosevelt later used the Act to proclaim millions of acres including the Grand Canyon, Katmai and The Petrified Forest, as National Monuments.”
There was much enthusiasm towards the environment during the Progressive era. One of the better-known environmental groups, the Sierra Club, was founded in 1892 and was dedicated to both wilderness preservation and outdoor recreation alike. In 1903, President Roosevelt, orders for the creation of the first national wildlife refuge in Florida. It was later named Pelican Island and bore the words National Wildlife Refuge proudly at the end. Roosevelt was so involved in the environment and preservation that he earned the nickname, “The Conservation President”. The Antiquities Act, passed by Congress and signed by President Roosevelt in 1906, aimed to preserve ancient Native American artifacts. Roosevelt later used the Act to proclaim millions of acres including the Grand Canyon, Katmai and The Petrified Forest, as National Monuments.”
World War I
When the War broke out in 1914, much of the environment became a blur as natural resources were harvested and even wasted without a second thought for the benefit of American and allied troops. However, with the realization of this dilemma, in 1916, the National Parks Service is established. At its founding, the bureau is responsible for managing the already existing 14 national parks and 21 national monuments.
When the War broke out in 1914, much of the environment became a blur as natural resources were harvested and even wasted without a second thought for the benefit of American and allied troops. However, with the realization of this dilemma, in 1916, the National Parks Service is established. At its founding, the bureau is responsible for managing the already existing 14 national parks and 21 national monuments.
The Roaring 20’s
The Twenties proved to be very fast paced and there was little room or thought about the environment and conservation. With the war over, it was crucial to pay attention to the environment and its needs after many of its natural resources had been pocketed. However, much of America was to busy celebrating their loved ones coming home and enjoying the constantly evolving economy. The environment remained a small dot in the background until after the Great Depression when the people of America finally started to notice the devastation they had caused over years of oblivion.
The Twenties proved to be very fast paced and there was little room or thought about the environment and conservation. With the war over, it was crucial to pay attention to the environment and its needs after many of its natural resources had been pocketed. However, much of America was to busy celebrating their loved ones coming home and enjoying the constantly evolving economy. The environment remained a small dot in the background until after the Great Depression when the people of America finally started to notice the devastation they had caused over years of oblivion.
Great Depression and New Deal
The Depression hit America hard; not only in economics, but the blow hit the environment too. As the economy fell lower and lower into the abyss, farmers poured milk into the streets, trying to raise the demand for milk. Natural resources were eaten up by the still surviving big businesses and left the land, already struggling from the war a decade ago, even more dead than before. As if these beatings weren’t enough, the environment was struck again by the Dust Bowl, and as it sank again, it brought all the economy with it. In the end, it was the election of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt that turned the tables for everything and pulled America out of the hole it had dug itself into. In his first hundred days in office, FDR made huge changes and to the American Public’s astonishment, huge successes. Specifically the CCC or Civilian Conservation Corps had an effect on the dwindling economy and environment alike. By hiring young men, ages 18-25, to do projects that many times benefited the natural world. During the time of the CCC, over 3 billion trees were planted. They also constructed more than 800 parks nationwide and even updated wildfire fighting methods.
The Depression hit America hard; not only in economics, but the blow hit the environment too. As the economy fell lower and lower into the abyss, farmers poured milk into the streets, trying to raise the demand for milk. Natural resources were eaten up by the still surviving big businesses and left the land, already struggling from the war a decade ago, even more dead than before. As if these beatings weren’t enough, the environment was struck again by the Dust Bowl, and as it sank again, it brought all the economy with it. In the end, it was the election of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt that turned the tables for everything and pulled America out of the hole it had dug itself into. In his first hundred days in office, FDR made huge changes and to the American Public’s astonishment, huge successes. Specifically the CCC or Civilian Conservation Corps had an effect on the dwindling economy and environment alike. By hiring young men, ages 18-25, to do projects that many times benefited the natural world. During the time of the CCC, over 3 billion trees were planted. They also constructed more than 800 parks nationwide and even updated wildfire fighting methods.
Significance
Today, there seems to be a constant flow of problems in the natural world and they are always finding their way back, to influence us. Global warming, air pollution, logging, acid rain, deforestation, endangered species, noise pollution, loss of habitat… the list goes on. Both the government and groups of dedicated individuals believe that the natural world can be helped and both have made action towards a better tomorrow.
Words from the Journal of American History state that, “Today's environmental crisis is so woven into the fabric of our society that it is part of the new normal, paradoxically allowing the conservative forces of reaction to prevail.” The environmental crisis is so present that it has actually become in a sense, normal. When we think about this really, we find it to be alarming that we do not find it more important! Currently there are many organizations and groups, both put on by the people and the government. Just a beginners list of these include; The Audubon Society, The Earth Island Institute, Envirocentre, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Rainforest and Pesticide Action Networks, The Sierra Club, Student Environmental Action Coalition and dozens upon dozens of others. With so many working forces, one would think mankind would be able to tackle the problems he himself made. In reality, this is not the case, those problems have multiplied and now we find ourselves on our knees over a matter that we thought we were only ankle deep into.
A recent film, "The Lorax", based on the children's book by Doctor Seuss, was released in theaters in 2012. In the movie, a young boy finds that in fact, a beautiful natural world is falling apart right before his eyes and that "Unless someone cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." Intended for children, the movie shows just how valuable the natural world is and how important it is for this generation, and the next and the next, to preserve that. After the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the government stepped in and placed many regulations of drill plans as well as workplace safety requirements. Inspection increased and the government was stricter than ever regarding drilling and preventing another catastrophic event like the one in 2010. Car emissions can often be deadly to the ecosystem too. Also in 2010, the emission limits and fuel efficiency regulations were made official by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Congress agreed that a vehicle must reach an average 27.5 miles per gallon. This reduces gas emissions and with these new rules, it is estimated that by 2030, the green house gasses released by cars will dwindle 21 percent. This is directly looking at the issue of global warming and what can be done. America is dedicated to preserving its wildlife directly too. In 2006, a man by the name of Edwin L. Cox was fined 120,000 dollars for illegally hunting and selling migratory water fowl for five years. This was the largest fine for poaching ever in America! All in all, one could say our government and ourselves do "care an awful lot" but we also find that though we keep acting, it seems we keep falling deeper and deeper into this environmental pit.
In some cases, the blame is placed directly on the organizations saying that they do not use the majority of profit towards the environmental crisis at hand. Others may say that the blame is to be shoved at the uninvolved man, the man that doesn’t care that the world is crumbling around him. Many individuals gear their frustrations towards the government however and stated that it is not enforcing regulations at the rate it should or that though it is being madly discussed, nothing is actually being done to change the fate of the earth. No matter where one places his blame, whether it be on his neighbor, his enemy or even himself, it is obvious that not enough is being done today.
Today, there seems to be a constant flow of problems in the natural world and they are always finding their way back, to influence us. Global warming, air pollution, logging, acid rain, deforestation, endangered species, noise pollution, loss of habitat… the list goes on. Both the government and groups of dedicated individuals believe that the natural world can be helped and both have made action towards a better tomorrow.
Words from the Journal of American History state that, “Today's environmental crisis is so woven into the fabric of our society that it is part of the new normal, paradoxically allowing the conservative forces of reaction to prevail.” The environmental crisis is so present that it has actually become in a sense, normal. When we think about this really, we find it to be alarming that we do not find it more important! Currently there are many organizations and groups, both put on by the people and the government. Just a beginners list of these include; The Audubon Society, The Earth Island Institute, Envirocentre, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Rainforest and Pesticide Action Networks, The Sierra Club, Student Environmental Action Coalition and dozens upon dozens of others. With so many working forces, one would think mankind would be able to tackle the problems he himself made. In reality, this is not the case, those problems have multiplied and now we find ourselves on our knees over a matter that we thought we were only ankle deep into.
A recent film, "The Lorax", based on the children's book by Doctor Seuss, was released in theaters in 2012. In the movie, a young boy finds that in fact, a beautiful natural world is falling apart right before his eyes and that "Unless someone cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." Intended for children, the movie shows just how valuable the natural world is and how important it is for this generation, and the next and the next, to preserve that. After the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the government stepped in and placed many regulations of drill plans as well as workplace safety requirements. Inspection increased and the government was stricter than ever regarding drilling and preventing another catastrophic event like the one in 2010. Car emissions can often be deadly to the ecosystem too. Also in 2010, the emission limits and fuel efficiency regulations were made official by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Congress agreed that a vehicle must reach an average 27.5 miles per gallon. This reduces gas emissions and with these new rules, it is estimated that by 2030, the green house gasses released by cars will dwindle 21 percent. This is directly looking at the issue of global warming and what can be done. America is dedicated to preserving its wildlife directly too. In 2006, a man by the name of Edwin L. Cox was fined 120,000 dollars for illegally hunting and selling migratory water fowl for five years. This was the largest fine for poaching ever in America! All in all, one could say our government and ourselves do "care an awful lot" but we also find that though we keep acting, it seems we keep falling deeper and deeper into this environmental pit.
In some cases, the blame is placed directly on the organizations saying that they do not use the majority of profit towards the environmental crisis at hand. Others may say that the blame is to be shoved at the uninvolved man, the man that doesn’t care that the world is crumbling around him. Many individuals gear their frustrations towards the government however and stated that it is not enforcing regulations at the rate it should or that though it is being madly discussed, nothing is actually being done to change the fate of the earth. No matter where one places his blame, whether it be on his neighbor, his enemy or even himself, it is obvious that not enough is being done today.