Industrial Revolution: America's Appreciation For Natural Resources

I believe that Americans began to develop an appreciation for natural resources because they understood how vital it is for our survival. As the industrial revolution started, I think that the resources that they were using as fuel, such as coal and wood were coming directly from the environment and going off into the sky which they learned was highly detrimental to the ozone layer. The smog and soot from the burning coal also had major health impacts on the areas around the factories which were major urban areas. Another rising problem of that time which may have been a cause for concern was acid rain from plants that burned coal. The acid rain, which contained sulfur and nitrogen compounds, had a negative impact on plants and the soils they
grew in, forests, and fish. Wastes from these factories also began pouring into the water supply and was a source of water pollution which introduced a new set of dangers for sea animals, those who were eating them, and water content itself that was used for drinking purposed. The industrial revolution redefined pollution and the exploitation of resources to the point almost every natural resource posed some risk. This blow to the environment took a toll on food supplies, living conditions, and health for the worst and why I believe the rising concern and appreciation for the environment in the 19th century was completely justified.