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Founding of IUCN
It was founded to encourage cooperation internationally and to provide the necessary knowledge to conserve the environment. -
Silent spring sends shock waves
Marine biologist states about the dangers and ill effects of DDT and other pesticides which kicks the modern environmental movement. -
Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring Published
The book provided evidence of the negative impact pesticide use had on the ecosystem. After the controversy surrounding Silent Spring, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was established, and various regulations protecting the environment and public health were passed. -
Minamata, Japan
There was a methylmercury leak in the water of an industrial chemical factory. This disaster caused the death of more than 900 people. This event led to the creation of laws that required state parties to take precautions when handling mercury. These anthropocentric laws were made to ensure the health and safety of humans against the Minamata disease. -
First earth day
A movement in which 20 million Americans take part in the first “Earth Day”. This movement critically changed the viewpoint of many Americans and made way for many new policies such as the U.S. Environmental protection agency (EPA) and Legislation including the clean air act. -
Whaling (save the whale)
It was created by Greenpeace ( a nonprofit organization). It ignited a global spark in anti-whaling creating an international commercial ban on whaling. -
The Amoco Cadiz tanker spill
Distilling two million barrels of oil into the coastline of France. This accidental pollution emission harmed thousands of oceanic organisms as well as the health of seawater. Cooperations began to enforce stricter regulations on ship safety requirements to prevent such incidents; however, even after such actions were taken, disasters still happened. -
Recycling becomes curbside
Although recycling was not a foreign concept prior to this, recycling became a whole new thing when Woodbury, New Jersey, started the trend of having mandatory curbside pickups for residents' recyclable items. This event was very impactful because it created a much cleaner environment for everyone by recycling. -
Bhopal
A disaster of a chemical leak that released about 45 tons of dangerous gas methyl isocyanate. It leaked from an insecticide plant and the gas drifted over the neighborhoods killing thousands of people. The significance of this industrial disaster alerted many people all over the world about the dangers of chemicals that were present in their everyday lives. It even inspired the US to make a legislation law about industrial hazards. -
Antarctic ozone hole discovery
Tons of researchers discovered a 7.3 million square mile hole in the ozone layer in Antarctica. After about 2 years of this discovery, the United States along with over 100 other countries pledged to stop the use of ozone-depleting compounds known as chlorofluorocarbons. This caused a massive wake-up call for everyone to start treating the ozone layer with care for a safer environment. -
Chernobyl
It was a tragic nuclear accident that took place at a Ukraine power plant at midday. This explosion resulted in the releasement of toxic radioactive material that killed thousands. This event made people be against nuclear technological innovations. -
The introduction of hybrid cars
Made drastic changes in the emissions of fossil fuels. Japan, creating the Toyota, Prius, became the first to make a hybrid gas-electric vehicle. It became popular to buy throughout most social classes and quickly became widespread. -
Kyoto
Refers to the Kyoto Protocol which was an international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This event led people to implement many policies and combat global warming. -
Documentary film An Inconvenient Truth released
Gave way to the public to learn about climate change and its impact on the environment. The documentary included scientific studies and personal stories, enforcing an emotional response from the audiences. This also made people care more about their actions towards the environment. -
Bald eagle comes back from the brink
The bald eagle was listed as a threatened and endangered species. The Bald Eagle was totally delisted after twelve years. The number of Bald Eagle pairs in the lower 48 states has increased to over 70,000, and the species is now considered to be of "least concern." -
The great pacific garbage patch is mapped
The largest maritime research expedition ever crossed the Great Pacific Garbage Patch with the help of about 30 vessels. The North Pacific Ocean contains an accumulation of marine garbage known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Debris that ends up in oceans, seas and various other vast bodies of water are referred to as marine debris. -
The Paris Agreement
It was made to tackle climate change and all of its negative impacts. Every 5 years each country is expected to submit a up to date climate action plan. This plan helps developing countries grow with the help of already developed countries to help with climate mitigation and create their own climate goals. -
Greta Thunberg ushers new generation of activism
Greta Thunberg is an environmental activist who is known for her climate change activism, she encourages many students to get involved. She won Times 2019 “Person of the Year”. She created a movement called Fridays for Future, to address the problem of climate change -
Population increases
Humanity reached a population of 1 billion in (the 1800s)
Humanity reached a population of 2 billion in (1920’s)
Humanity reached a population of 3 billion in (1960’s)
Humanity reached a population of 4 billion in (mid-1970s)
Humanity reached a population of 5 billion in (1980’s)
Humanity reached a population of 6 billion in (1990’s)
Humanity reached a population of 7 billion in (2010’s)
Today Humanity reached a population of 7.9 billion (2023)