Final answer:
The statement is true; early environmental organizations gained significant traction at the national level. Key milestones include the success of Earth Day and the establishment of the EPA in the United States, as well as international influences like the Earth Summit.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that 'Most early environmental organizations were at the national level' is generally true. Environmental movements gained significant traction and visibility at the national level, especially during the 1960s through the 1980s. During this period, there was a surge in environmental activism, characterized by a heightened awareness and concern for environmental issues. For instance, the colossal success of the first Earth Day in 1970 had a profound impact on the political landscape in the United States, leading to the passage of dozens of environmental laws and the creation of a federal agency dedicated to environmental issues.
While there were indeed local and regional movements and organizations concerned with environmental issues, the national-level organizations and national media coverage were forefront in representing and pushing for various environmental policies and changes. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established at the national level in the United States. Internationally, events like the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, also known as the Earth Summit, which led to the Convention on Biological Diversity, further highlight the environmental movement's expansion to a national and international focus.
Therefore, while early environmental activism and organizations did exist at local and regional levels, the most visible and influential environmental organizations during the early stages of the movement tended to operate at the national or international level, drawing attention to major environmental issues, affecting policy, and capturing the public's interest.