Pepperdine Hosts Renowned Historian Douglas Brinkley for Environmental Lecture

Brinkley discusses the three waves of environmentalism in America and challenges students to lead the next movement.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:33am

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An abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, visually representing the interconnected history and evolution of environmentalism in the United States.A conceptual illustration depicting the three major waves of the American environmental movement, as described by historian Douglas Brinkley.Malibu Today

Pepperdine University recently welcomed renowned historian Douglas Brinkley to deliver a lecture on the history of the environmental movement in the United States. Brinkley, the Katherine Tsanoff Brown Chair in Humanities at Rice University, discussed the three major waves of environmentalism sparked by presidents like Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Richard Nixon, as well as the pioneering work of marine biologist Rachel Carson. The author challenged the next generation of students to lead the charge on the potential fourth wave of environmental activism.

Why it matters

Brinkley's lecture provided important historical context for the modern environmental movement, tracing its origins back to the early 20th century and highlighting how it has evolved over time with the support of both Democratic and Republican administrations. As the world grapples with the growing threat of climate change, understanding this history can help inform current policy debates and inspire new generations of environmental leaders.

The details

During his remarks, Brinkley introduced the three waves of environmentalism in America. The first wave was sparked by President Theodore Roosevelt, who established the National Parks System. The second wave came under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who created 800 state parks nationwide. The third wave was ignited by marine biologist Rachel Carson's groundbreaking book 'Silent Spring,' which connected public health to the harmful effects of pesticides. This wave was then amplified by the administrations of Presidents John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, who passed landmark environmental legislation like the Clean Air Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.

  • Theodore Roosevelt initiated the National Parks System in the early 20th century.
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt created 800 state parks throughout America during his presidency in the 1930s and 1940s.
  • Rachel Carson published 'Silent Spring' in 1962, launching the third wave of environmentalism.
  • John F. Kennedy helped develop and pass the first Clean Air Act in the early 1960s.
  • Richard Nixon signed the National Environmental Policy Act into law in 1973.

The players

Douglas Brinkley

An author and the Katherine Tsanoff Brown Chair in Humanities at Rice University, who delivered the lecture at Pepperdine University.

Theodore Roosevelt

The 26th president of the United States, who initiated the National Parks System and helped establish the term 'conservation' in the nation's popular culture.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

The 32nd president of the United States, who was instrumental to the second wave of the environmental movement by using his executive powers to create 800 state parks.

Rachel Carson

A marine biologist whose book 'Silent Spring' connected public health to the harmful effects of pesticides, sparking the third wave of environmentalism.

John F. Kennedy

The 35th president of the United States, who helped develop and pass America's first Clean Air Act.

Richard Nixon

The 37th president of the United States, who signed the National Environmental Policy Act into law in 1973.

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What they’re saying

“Today's subject and the book Doug will be discussing are directly relevant to environmental policy—a subject of much importance at our School of Public Policy. This talk will help us understand that current policy debates were shaped decades ago by writers, thinkers, philosophers, and activists.”

— Pete Peterson, Dean, Pepperdine School of Public Policy

“It's for young people in the 21st century to think this through. For young people who feel existential pain or depression because of the state of climate change, don't. You have to stay upbeat, and you have to do something local. You can help, and along the line, you'll meet real people and develop a network. That way, when the time is right, they'll be there [to help].”

— Douglas Brinkley, Author and Historian

The takeaway

Brinkley's lecture provided a comprehensive overview of the environmental movement's history in the United States, highlighting how it has evolved over time with the support of both Democratic and Republican administrations. His challenge to the next generation of students to lead the charge on the potential fourth wave of environmentalism underscores the continued importance of this issue and the need for new, innovative solutions to address the growing threat of climate change.