Earth Day was first held in the United States in 1970. They called for a healthier and more sustainable environment. Democratic Senator Gaylord Nelson saw the damage from oil and took recent anti-war protests as a model for action.
His idea for a day of demonstrations to draw attention to the environment soon came to fruition. On April 22, Earth Day, more than 20 million people took to the streets in tens of thousands of places across the United States! The protests led to almost immediate changes in legislation: by the end of the year, clean air and water laws were passed, as well as laws to protect endangered species.
MOST COMMENTED
Forms of protests
Why would people go to protests?
Forms of protests
What is an internal protest?
Largest protests
Khaki ball: the loudest anti-war protests and actions.
Student protests
“The Events of June 4” in China, 1989
Student protests
“The Night of Tlatelolco” in Mexico, 1968
Student protests
Massacre at the University of Kent, 1970
Student protests
Battle of Valle Giulia, Italy, 1968