What social concern gained traction in the U.S. during the 1970s?

The promotion of environmental conservation gained significant traction in the U.S. during the 1970s, becoming a prominent social concern as awareness of pollution, natural resource depletion, and ecological degradation grew. This decade marked the rise of the modern environmental movement, highlighted by events such as the first Earth Day in 1970 and the establishment of major federal environmental legislation, including the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. The visibility of environmental issues was fueled by landmark publications, such as Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring," which raised public consciousness about the harmful effects of pesticides and industrial pollution on the natural world. This growing environmental awareness led to increased activism, the formation of environmental organizations, and the implementation of policies aimed at protecting natural resources and promoting sustainability. As a result, conservation of the environment became a central part of social discourse and policy in the U.S. during this transformative period.