What did the period of 1970-1980 highlight regarding air and water purity?

The period of 1970-1980 marked a significant turning point in environmental awareness, particularly regarding air and water purity. During this decade, there was a growing consciousness about the impact of pollution on health and the environment, highlighted by numerous environmental disasters and the rise of the environmental movement. The notion that there was a necessity to reclaim environmental purity became increasingly prominent as activists, scientists, and policymakers recognized the detrimental effects of industrial pollutants and urban runoff on ecosystems and public health.

Legislation such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act was enacted during this time, reinforcing the belief that government intervention was necessary to address environmental issues. Public demand for cleaner air and water stemmed from the visible degradation of natural resources and increasing reports linking pollution to health problems. Thus, this period underscored the urgent need to restore and protect the environment, prompting profound changes in policy and public attitudes toward environmental stewardship.