And so this is the long road the nation traveled to get to Earthday, 1970, and beyond. Those who lead us down it… did not leave us a bad legacy considering the mood in which the continent was settled, and the amount we had to learn, we can be grateful that those battles do not have to be fought, at least not on the same fields, again. We can be just as certain that others will have to be. Environmentalism or conservation or preservation, or whatever it should be called, is not a fact, and never has been. It is a job.
In reflecting on the journey towards Earth Day in 1970, we recognize the complex history and struggles faced by the nation. The leaders who guided this path have left behind a commendable legacy, particularly given the challenging circumstances of our early settlement. We can appreciate that many of the conflicts surrounding environmental issues have been resolved, allowing future generations to approach them from a different perspective.
However, the author underscores that environmentalism, whether labeled conservation or preservation, is an ongoing endeavor rather than a static achievement. It serves as a reminder that protecting our environment remains a continuous challenge. Each generation must be prepared to engage in this essential work, fostering a commitment to stewardship and responsibility toward our planet.
