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Truman's Proclamation on the Continental Shelf
This proclamation clears the way for offshore oil drilling in the US by creating the concept of 'nautical territory'. Many other countries follow suit, causing offshore oil drilling to become a worldwide phenomenon. -
International Whaling Commission formed
Formed in response to the rapid decline of whale populations worldwide. -
First United Nations conference on the Environment
The Scientific Conference on Conservation and the Utilization of Natural Resources.