3.2: The Key Pioneers of the Environmental Ethics Movement
3.2.1: John Muir
Watch this short video about the life and history of John Muir. How different do you think the landscape today might look in the United States, if not for the work of John Muir?
3.2.1.1: The Creation of National Parks
Read this history of the national parks. The article discusses the history of their creation, noting in particular Yellowstone and Yosemite - the latter of which John Muir was a key advocate for preserving. Take a moment to think of a time you may have visited a national park or had the desire to visit one. Some of these parks would have not been possible without the advocacy of certain key individuals. For their efforts, we owe great thanks.
3.2.1.2: The Sierra Club
Read this brief description and history of the Sierra Club, founded by John Muir in 1892. How important do you believe non-governmental organizations, such as the Sierra Club, are in driving forward issues and trying to influence the government to make changes?
3.2.2: Theodore Roosevelt
Read this short entry on Theodore Roosevelt. Pay particular attention to the Conservation section, and note the key achievements made in this area. Take time to consider how different the American landscape might look today if some of the conservation efforts and laws enacted by Roosevelt had not been implemented.
3.2.2.1: The Reclamation Act (1902)
Read about the history of the Reclamation Act, signed into law by Theodore Roosevelt. In light of what we know today, how "sustainable” do you think this Act is? Can we continue to use water at the rate we do, especially when considering the impacts of population growth and the potential for climate change?
3.2.2.2: The Introduction of Ecosystem Management: Wildlife Refuges
Watch this video, which summarizes the history and achievements of the National Wildlife Refuges that were created by Theodore Roosevelt. How do you believe these refuges have helped to preserve wildlife from the threat of development?
3.2.3: Gifford Pinchot
Read this short biography of Gifford Pinchot. As you read the excerpt written by Pinchot, try to put yourself in the mindset of the early 20th Century. At the time, it was the norm to just take what you needed. The term sustainability was not even a thought in anyone's mind.
3.2.3.1: The U.S. Forest Service
Watch this short video about the history of the U.S. Forest Service. As you watch, take time to reflect on how different the U.S. landscape might look if programs such as the Forest Service had never been established.
Read this brief history of the U.S. Forest Service. Take time to think of an occasion when you may have experienced the joys of the forest or woodland in your local area or country. How did the experience make you feel?
3.2.3.2: The Fire Storm of 1910
Watch this video about the firestorm of 1910. How damaging do you think the great fire in 1910 was to the progress of the Forest Service and the wider conservation movement?
3.2.4: Aldo Leopold
3.2.4.1: The Foundations of Wildlife Management
Read this short biography of Aldo Leopold. How do you believe Leopold began to shape the foundation for wildlife management? Do you think he may have faced opposition?
3.2.4.2: A Sand County Almanac and "The Land Ethic"
Read this review of the Curt Meine's biography of Aldo Leopold. What element of Leopold's ambition for pioneering conservation do you find the most admirable?
Read the short summaries of the linked text. At the bottom of the page there is a link to a PDF Fact Sheet; click on the link and read the article. How do you think Leopold's views helped to shape environmental change in that era?
Read the short summaries of the linked text. At the bottom of the page there is a link to a PDF Fact Sheet; click on the link and read the article. How do you think Leopold's views helped to shape environmental change in that era?
3.2.5: Rachel Carson
3.2.5.1: The Pesticide DDT
CDC, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: "Toxicological Profile for DDT, DDE, and DDD"
This is a large file. Read Sections 1, 2, and 3. Make notes on some of the key facts about DDT.
3.2.5.2: Silent Spring
Click on the link for the virtual exhibition and begin reading the history timeline for Rachel Carson's Silent Spring. The website offers a very comprehensive history of the book, its author, and associated major events before, during, and after it was written. When you have finished with the Overview page, click "next” and go through each page in the timeline. Read the text, watch the videos, and listen to the podcasts. When you have finished, try to summarize how you think this book has helped to shape the history of the environment, and the environmental movement, over the past 50 years.