Earth Day Earth Day changed forever our awareness of the environment and what we need to do to protect our planet.

Earth Day It was a day that brought together, for the first time, the American public concerned about preserving Earth’s natural resources The first Earth Day was April 22, 1970

Earth Day In 1962, author Rachel Carson published Silent Spring.The book documented the effects of pesticides on the environment. The American public was outraged. History of Earth Day

Earth Day No other book in recent history has had the same impact as Silent Spring. The book is credited with being the single most important game-changer in the history of the environmental movement. History of Earth Day

Earth Day Gaylord Nelson was elected to the US Senate in He had been governor of Wisconsin and a member of the state legislature. He is credited as being the key founder of Earth Day History of Earth Day

Earth Day In 1963, President Kennedy and Senator Nelson toured the US speaking to groups to raise awareness on environmental issues. History of Earth Day

Earth Day After JFK’s assassination in 1963, Senator Nelson worked tirelessly to promote legislation that would protect America’s natural resources, reduce both air and water pollution and protect wildlife from extinction. History of Earth Day

Earth Day In 1968, Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River caught fire from chemical waste being dumped into the river. This single event became a symbol of the need to stop industrial pollution that is damaging America’s natural resources. History of Earth Day

Earth Day In 1969, Senator Nelson, together with leaders from grassroots environmental groups, organize Earth Day History of Earth Day

Earth Day On April 22, 1970 Earth Day began with millions of Americans gathering in rallies and demonstrations across the United States to raise awareness of protecting the environment History of Earth Day

Earth Day The Results History of Earth Day 1970 President Nixon established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect human life and our natural resources 1970 The Clean Air Act was passed by Congress setting restrictions on air pollution 1972 The Clean Water Act was passed protecting our rivers, lakes and streams 1973 The Endangered Species Act was passed to protect wildlife and their environment

Earth Day The Results History of Earth Day 1970 The National Resources Defense Council was founded. Today this group is the leader in environmental advocacy with more than 1 million members and a staff of over 300 legal professionals, scientists and environmental specialists

Earth Day The Results History of Earth Day 1990 On the 20 th anniversary Earth Day went global with rallies and demonstrations in more than 140 countries 2013 Earth Day participants around the world numbered more than 1 billion people in over 190 countries planting trees, cleaning up beaches, establishing parks and starting neighborhood gardens

Earth Day “It was a gamble, but it worked!” History of Earth Day