Ep 5. Earth Days

In season 22 episode 5 of American Experience, titled Earth Days, viewers are taken on a journey through the history of the environmental movement in the United States. The focus of the episode is on the period between the late 1960s and the early 1980s, when the world was grappling with issues such as pollution, deforestation, overfishing, and the threat of nuclear war. Against this backdrop, a group of young activists emerged who were determined to raise awareness about these issues and to push for a more sustainable future.

The episode begins by looking at the state of the environment in the 1960s, when pollution was rampant and government regulations were minimal. Viewers are introduced to figures such as Rachel Carson, whose book Silent Spring helped to kickstart the modern environmental movement, and Stewart Udall, the Secretary of the Interior under President Kennedy who pushed for measures such as the Clean Air Act and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

As the episode progresses, it focuses on the rise of grassroots environmental activism, particularly among college students. Viewers meet figures such as Denis Hayes, a young activist who organized the first Earth Day in 1970. They also learn about the role that women played in the movement, such as Lois Gibbs, a mother who fought against toxic waste in her community.

The episode provides a glimpse of the tactics that activists used to draw attention to environmental issues, such as sit-ins, teach-ins, and marches. It also highlights the role that celebrities played in raising awareness about environmental causes, such as the efforts of actor Paul Newman to promote conservation.

The latter half of the episode focuses on the political battles that ensued over environmental issues, particularly during the Nixon administration. Viewers see how environmental activists clashed with business interests and politicians who were hesitant to enact regulations that could hurt the economy.

Despite these obstacles, however, the episode shows how environmental activists were able to achieve some significant victories during this period. For example, the Clean Water Act of 1972, which established regulations for the discharge of pollutants into US waters, was one of the most comprehensive environmental laws ever passed. The episode also shows how opposition to nuclear power helped to spur the growth of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

Overall, Earth Days is a fascinating and inspiring look at the history of the environmental movement in the United States. Viewers will come away with a greater appreciation for the struggles that activists faced and for the progress that has been made. The episode also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to protect our planet for future generations.