Listen&Learn: History of Earth Day

Learn about the origins of a day of environmental awareness.

Pre-listening vocabulary

• regulation: a rule created and enforced by a government
• contaminate: to put unwanted chemicals into an area
• pollution: the presence of toxic chemicals
• policy: a plan made by a government to address a specific problem
• demonstration: an event where many people gather to draw attention to an issue
• campus: an area where educational buildings and residences are located

Listening activity

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:23 — 1.3MB)

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Gapfill exercise

Before the 1960s, many people knew very little about damage. There were few regulations, and companies could contaminate areas without facing consequences. By the end of the , air and water pollution were becoming serious problems. An American senator from Wisconsin named Gaylord Nelson wanted to implement policies to protect the environment. Inspired by the effectiveness of anti-war protests at the time, Nelson decided to organize a day of educational demonstrations at university campuses to start a about the environment. On April 22nd, 1970, millions of people attended demonstrations. Earth Day was held on April 22nd every year after that. The growing in the environment caused several policy changes in the US and around the world.

Comprehension questions

See answers below

1. In the 1960s, a serious environmental concern was
   a. the ozone hole
   b. air and water pollution
   c. ocean acidification
   
2. Gaylord Nelson was
   a. a Wisconsin senator
   b. an environmental journalist
   c. a student anti-war activist
   
3. Most of the Earth Day demonstrations took place at
   a. government offices
   b. factories
   c. university campuses

Discussion/essay questions

1. What are environmental protections like where you live? Are there changes you would like to see?
2. Indigenous cultures around the world have respected and protected nature for a long time. Why do you think it took so long for many national governments to recognize environmental impacts?

Transcript

Before the 1960s, many people knew very little about environmental damage. There were few regulations, and companies could contaminate natural areas without facing consequences. By the end of the decade, air and water pollution were becoming serious problems. An American senator from Wisconsin named Gaylord Nelson wanted to implement policies to protect the environment. Inspired by the effectiveness of anti-war protests at the time, Nelson decided to organize a day of educational demonstrations at university campuses to start a conversation about the environment. On April 22nd, 1970, millions of people attended demonstrations. Earth Day was held on April 22nd every year after that. The growing interest in the environment caused several policy changes in the US and around the world.

Answers to comprehension questions

1b 2a 3c