Which statement best explains what happened to wetland resources and ecosystem services after the 1970s in the U.S.?
One possible option is:
"After the 1970s, wetland resources and ecosystem services in the U.S. experienced a decline due to increased urbanization, drainage for agricultural purposes, and pollution from industrial activities."
After the 1970s, several changes occurred regarding wetland resources and ecosystem services in the U.S. The best statement explaining this would be:
1. Wetland conservation efforts increased, leading to the restoration and preservation of many wetlands and their associated ecosystem services.
Explanation:
After the 1970s, there was a significant increase in awareness and understanding of the importance of wetlands for biodiversity, water filtration, flood control, and carbon storage. This led to the implementation of various environmental policies and regulations to protect and conserve wetland resources. The Clean Water Act in 1972 and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) played crucial roles in regulating industrial pollution and enforcing wetland protection. Additionally, the creation of the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) in 1974 helped identify and map wetland areas across the country, aiding conservation and restoration efforts. These initiatives resulted in increased efforts to restore degraded wetlands, implement wetland mitigation strategies, and protect remaining wetland areas from development. As a result, the U.S. has seen improvements in wetland resources and the provision of ecosystem services since the 1970s.