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Neurological disorder caused by mercury poisoning (text) -
It is important to note that although the modern environmental movement originated in the 1960's, humans noticed their effect on the environment long before: Romans noted problems such as air and water pollution; soil conversation was practiced in China, India, and Peru as early as 2,000 years ago; between the 14th and 16th centuries, pollution was noted as the reason for the spread of disease in Europe (Rutherford Williams, 2024).
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Rachel Carson’s groundbreaking book exposed the dangers of pesticides, especially DDT, sparking widespread public concern about pollution and the environment (Rutherford Williams, 2024).
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A massive oil spill off the coast of California killed thousands of birds and marine animals, becoming a turning point for environmental regulation in the U.S. (NOAA 2020).
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Celebrated on April 22, the first Earth Day mobilized over 20 million Americans, raising awareness about environmental issues and launching the modern environmental movement (EPA 2025)
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Established under President Nixon, the EPA consolidated federal efforts to regulate and enforce environmental protection (EPA 2025).
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Landmark U.S. legislation that set national standards for air and water quality, drastically improving environmental health and reducing pollution (EPA 2020).
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One of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history, this spill in Alaska highlighted corporate responsibility and led to stronger environmental regulations (NOAA 1989).
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A landmark international treaty committing industrialized nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, laying groundwork for future climate agreements (EPA 2020).
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A global accord under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, signed by nearly every nation, aiming to limit global warming to below 2°C. (EPA 2020).
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By 2019, there were over 1 million students involved in Greta Thunberg's movement, a strike for climate action (Rutherford Williams, 2024).