Which California city is known as the birthplace of the modern environmental movement?

San Francisco is widely recognized as the birthplace of the modern environmental movement, particularly due to the landmark event of the first Earth Day celebration in 1970, which was heavily influenced by activities and organizations based in the city. The area was home to influential environmental figures, including Rachel Carson, whose work "Silent Spring" galvanized public consciousness about environmental issues.

Additionally, the establishment of several key environmental organizations in San Francisco, such as the Sierra Club, played a crucial role in advocating for conservation and eco-friendly policies. The city's vibrant counterculture during the 1960s and early 1970s also contributed to a growing awareness and activism surrounding ecological issues.

While other cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento have their own environmental initiatives and histories, it is San Francisco's unique combination of activism, influential figures, and pivotal events that solidify its status as the starting point for the modern environmental movement in California and beyond.