Activity 4.1 – US Environmental History and Major Regulations

    The history of environmental thought in the United States is a rich tapestry woven with various movements, ideologies, and influential figures that have shaped the nation's relationship with the environment. From early Native American beliefs of harmony to modern-day debates on climate change and sustainability, the evolution of environmental thinking in the US reflects changing attitudes, policies, and scientific discoveries. Before European colonization, indigenous tribes across the continent held profound connections with nature. Their beliefs emphasized the interdependence between humans and the natural world, viewing nature as sacred and deserving of respect. Practices such as sustainable land management and spiritual rituals underscored their harmonious coexistence with the environment. However, with the arrival of European settlers, a different approach to nature emerged. The Europeans did not have this same respect for nature. They abused the land and would soon realize the significant consequences of their inconsiderate behaviors. Jared Elliot, one of the first individuals with environmental concerns wrote about the need for better farming practices that do not destroy the fertility of the soil (Carman, Tugwell, & True, 1934).

    In the 1800’s government institutions were created in order to help proper land management. Although these institutions mainly focused on farmland first they then began to expand to regulating forestry, timbering, waste from mining, and human disease. The Departments of the Interior, and Agriculture, the U.S. Forest Service, the Geological Survey, and the National Park Service were formed along with several major conservation societies like the Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, and the National Wildlife Federation (Theis, T., & Tomkin, J., 2018). Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote an essay entitled Nature discussing his views on the true essence of nature. (Theis, T., & Tomkin, J., 2018). He, like the early Native Americans, felt an enormous emotional connection to nature. This essay is what began the transcendental movement. The movement viewed nature as something beyond humans and showed how we should treat it respectfully. It discussed a new appreciation for nature and the liberation of the human mind from convention and formalism. Transcendentalism was diminished in the latter half of the 19th century, but it still had a far-reaching influence on our society and the influence humans have.

     In the late 19th century, concerns about the environmental consequences of unchecked industrial growth began to surface. Figures like John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt played pivotal roles in initiating the conservation movement. Muir, the founder of the Sierra Club, advocated for the preservation of natural landscapes like Yosemite, while Roosevelt, as president, established national parks and forests, setting aside vast areas of land for conservation. In the early 1990's the modern environmental movement led to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970 and the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. World wars had a major effect on conservation. They slowed it down tremendously due to a focus on the economy. Issues with our land were ignored as it became of less and less importance.

    Throughout the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century, environmental thought has evolved to encompass broader issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the intersectionality between environmental issues and social justice. The history of environmental thought in the US reflects a journey from exploitation and disregard for nature to a more comprehensive understanding of humanity's interconnectedness with the environment.

 

Resources: 

Andrews, R. N. L. (2006). Managing the environment, managing ourselves: A history of American environmental policy (2nd ed.). Yale University Press. https://nvclibrary.on.worldcat.org/oclc/858861836 

Carman, H.J., Tugwell, R.G., & True, R.H. (Eds.). (1934). Essays upon eld husbandry in New England, and other papers, 1748-1762, by Jared Eliot. New York: Columbia University Press.

Russell, E., & Fairfax, S. K. (2014). Guide to U.S. Environmental Policy (Links to an external site.). CQ Press. https://nvcproxy.alamo.edu/login?url=https://search-ebscohost-com.nvcproxy.alamo.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=862170&site=ehost-live&scope=site&custid=s4653251&authtype=ip&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_407 

Theis, T., & Tomkin, J. (Eds). (2018). Sustainability: A comprehensive foundation. OpenStax CNX.  THEISandTOMKIN_Sustainability-a-Comprehensive-Foundation-45.1.pdf