Save the Earth
A massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, CA spurred Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson to propose a national teach-in on the environment: Earth Day. The environmental movement of the 1960s was spurred by people concerned about air and water pollution, factory emissions, toxic waste, and other environmental devastation. In addition to joining the national outrage over the use of pesticides, New Yorkers also spoke out about the high levels of pollution in the city. Support for the environment was bipartisan and Mayor Lindsay established the city’s first Earth Day on April 22, 1970.
Fisheye photo showing New York Public Library during Earth Day, April 22, 1970
The first Earth Day included demonstrations demanding city and national protections for the environment. Mayor John V. Lindsay spoke from the steps of the New York Public Library and in Union Square about the need to reduce pollution and enact policies that would improve the quality of life.
