1. 5.3 The Importance of the Individual
Unit 5: Economics, Policy and the Future

2. 5.3 The Importance of the Individual
Objectives Foldable
Using the objectives handout, trim the paper along the top, right side and bottom of the outside box to fit the notebook
Cut the lines between each box to make a flap
Tape or glue the left side of this contraption into your ISN (this allows you to fold the objectives back later)
Later, you will write down the objectives once you’ve learned them L
5.3 The Importance of the Individual

3. 5.3 The Importance of the Individual
Getting started…
Consider three of the most influential individuals you know of.
Who are they? How do they influence you?
What do these people have in common in terms of their character?
How would your life be different without these individuals? R
5.3 The Importance of the Individual

4. Influential Individuals
Some individuals have managed to influence our thinking about the environment in the United States.
These people are famous because they brought attention to problems or convinced many people to think about new ideas.
Some of them wrote books that inspired people to think about environmental problems in a new way. L
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5.3 The Importance of the Individual

6. 5.3 The Importance of the Individual
The 1960’s Decade
During the 1960’s, environmental issues became widely known.
Biologists such as Paul Ehrlich, Barry Commoner, Rachel Carson, and Garrett Hardin drew public attention to environmental problems such as pollution, rapid population growth, and resource depletion. L
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5.3 The Importance of the Individual

7. 5.3 The Importance of the Individual
Rising Awareness
Also in the 1960’s, several environmental disasters made headlines and helped raise public awareness.
Eventually, pressure from the public led to new laws and efforts to reduce environmental damage.
The first Earth Day, in 1970, was a historic demonstration of public concern for environmental issues. L
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5.3 The Importance of the Individual

8. 5.3 The Importance of the Individual
Voting
One of the most important decisions you may make is in the act of voting. The people we elect will make decisions that affect our environmental future.
The candidates stance on environmental issues can be researched through the media, voter organizations, and Web sites.
Another way to take action on environmental problems is to join a group of people who share your concerns and interests. L
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5.3 The Importance of the Individual

9. Applying Your Knowledge
As you learn more about environmental science, you’ll be prepared to make decisions that guarantee that your impact on the environment will be a positive one. L
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5.3 The Importance of the Individual

10. 5.3 The Importance of the Individual
Summing things up…
Choose one of the following:
Mini Quiz:
Name one event that is at least partially attributed to the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring.
When was the first Earth Day?
What does “think globally, act locally” mean?
Create a chain of events chart with details about how an individual choice at the grocery store can affect the environment.
Go back and fill out the objectives at the beginning of the section. R L
5.3 The Importance of the Individual