Overview
The history of the environmental movement in the United States has been characterized by three waves, or eras. The waves were the product of very different social conditions, yet the perceptions and understandings of the environment that developed during these waves are the foundation of much of contemporary environmental politics. The first wave was the Conservationist era of the late 1890s-early1900s. The product of the progressive moment, it focused attention on the sound management of natural resources and the need for national forests and national parks to protect our natural resource legacy. The second era was the environmentalist movement of the
1960-80s. The origins of this movement were a greater public awareness of the effects of human activity as a cause of environmental degradation. The result of this greater awareness was several legislative actions to protect the environment—i.e., the
ESA, Clean Water Act, NEPA. The third wave, which includes the present, is a period of maturity, where the focus is on new issues and approaches. This era is the outcome of several changes in the nature of environmental politics. Two of the most important are a shortage of “big” issues and greater consideration of the costs of environmental protection.
Objectives
After completing this week’s web-lectures, readings, assignment, and participating in the on-line discussions you will have a better understanding how environmentalism has been a product of American society, and how as society has changed so has the focus and concerns of the environmental movement. |
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Resources |
Web
Lecture
Past and Present |
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Web
Lecture
Changing Nature |
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| Readings |
| Vig &
Kraft |
Chpt. 1 |
| Dowie |
EReserve |
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High
Low
Notes