Human Impact on the Environment

1. Human Impact on the Environment N. Sassaman SAMS - 2012

2. Do You Know ?? • When was the first Earth Day held and why? • What is the EPA and when was it created? http://www.epa.gov/history/ • When was Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” published? • What do Earth Day, the EPA, and “The Lorax” all have in common?

3. Environmental Stats from 50’s-70’s • Deadly smog episodes in Donora, PA (1948), London (1948, 1952, 1956), New York (1953), and Los Angeles (1954). • On June 22, 1969, oil and chemicals in the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio catch fire. Flames were five stories high.

4. Environmental Stats from 50’s-70’s • Lake Erie was declared ‘dead’. Eutrophication had claimed Lake Erie and excessive algae became the dominant plant species, covering the beaches in slimy moss and killing off native aquatic species by soaking up all the oxygen. Algae ‘bloom’ in 2011

5. Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” – controversy? • First published in 1971; TV movie in 1972. • Was banned in Laytonville, California in 1989 from a local public school. • A line from the book referencing Lake Erie was removed from print 14 years after original publication, but remains in the TV movie. • TERRI BIRKETT, an active member of the hardwood flooring industry, wrote a parody called “The Truax”.

6. Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” • Today, we will be watching the 1972 TV version of “The Lorax”. • As you watch the movie, take notes to help you answer the question on your worksheet. • There will be books available after the movie to use for reference as well. • Enjoy!! http://www.watchknowlearn.org/Video.aspx?VideoID=41475&CategoryID=76