Major environmental policies have come about due to a combination of scientific research, increased public awareness and activism, and political action at local, national, and international levels.
In the mid-20th century, events such as the publication of Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring" and the Cuyahoga River fire in Ohio drew attention to the detrimental effects of industrial pollution on the environment and public health. As a result, there was a growing demand for government action to address environmental issues.
In response, the United States passed a series of landmark environmental laws in the 1970s and 1980s, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. These laws established the legal framework for regulating environmental impacts and protecting natural resources.
The international community has also played a role in developing major environmental policies, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. These agreements provide a framework for global cooperation on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change.
Overall, major environmental policies have resulted from a combination of scientific understanding, public pressure, and political action. Governments and international organizations have played a critical role in implementing these policies, but they have only been possible due to the efforts of individuals and communities who have fought for a healthier and more sustainable world.
Explain how major environmental policies came about.
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