Author of Silent Spring, which exposed the dangers of pesticides and catalyzed the modern environmental movement.

A powerful pesticide that was widely used but later banned due to its harmful environmental effects.

Environmental Protection Agency, an agency of the U.S. government created to protect human health and the environment.

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, a group of nations that coordinate petroleum policies.

A U.S. law passed in 1975 to address energy shortages, including setting gas mileage standards.

An annual event celebrated on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

A U.S. law aimed to reduce industrial pollution of waterways.

A U.S. law that protects threatened and endangered species and their habitats.

A U.S. law (officially the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act or CERCLA) created to clean up hazardous waste sites.

Waste products from nuclear reactors that remain dangerous for thousands of years.

A social and political movement focused on protecting the natural environment.

Cause: OPEC embargoed oil exports to countries supporting Israel. Effect: Sharp increase in oil prices, shortages, and disruptions to the global economy.

Cause: Cooling system failure at a nuclear power plant. Effect: Public fear and skepticism about nuclear power.

Cause: Rachel Carson's investigation into the effects of pesticides. Effect: Increased public awareness, DDT ban, and the establishment of the EPA.

Cause: Human error and modern technology in the oil industry. Effect: Reinforced public fears about environmental damage from oil.