The Environmental Movement of the 1960s and 70s focused on raising awareness about environmental degradation, pollution, and conservation. Sparked by incidents like the Santa Barbara oil spill and the publication of Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring," the movement called attention to the harmful effects of industrialization on the natural environment. Grassroots organizations emerged, advocating for cleaner air and water and supporting the establishment of regulatory bodies. The first Earth Day, celebrated in 1970, galvanized public interest and led to significant legislative changes, including the National Environmental Policy Act. This movement laid the foundation for contemporary environmental efforts and policies aimed at sustainability and ecological preservation.