The "New Environmentalism" In the 1950s and 1960s, the public
was becoming aware that conservation of wilderness and wildlife
was but one aspect of protecting an endangered environment.
Concern about air pollution, water pollution, solid waste
disposal, dwindling energy resources, radiation, pesticide
poisoning (particularly as described in Rachel Carson's
influential Silent Spring, 1962), noise pollution, and other
environmental problems engaged a broadening number of
sympathizers and gave rise to what became known as the "new
environmentalism." Public support for these issues culminated in
the Earth Day demonstrations of 1970. The new movement had a
broader goal—to preserve life on the planet. The more radical
groups believe that continued industrial development is
incompatible with environmentalism. Other groups, notably
Greenpeace, which advocated direct action to preserve endangered
species, often clashed violently with opponents. Less militant
organizations called for sustainable development and the nee