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Industrial Revolution in Europe
Increased urbanization, resource usage and pollution. -
National Audubon Society
The National Audubon Society forms to try to save plume birds from ladies’ hatters (PBS). -
Once the most prolific bird, the passenger pigeon becomes extinct
Conservation movement grows. Concern for tigers, rhinoceros, etc. -
Dustbowl in North America
Recognition that agricultural practices may affect soils and climate. -
Green Revolution - Intensive Technological Agriculture
Resource use (especially fossil fuel use) and pollution increased. Human population rises sharply. -
Leopoldo writes ‘A Sand County Almanac’
Concept of ‘stewardship’ is applied to nature. -
UK’s ten National Parks are established
Recognition of need to conserve natural areas. -
Minamata Bay Disaster
Emphasizes the ability of food chains to accumulate toxins into higher tropic levels, including into humans. -
Rachel Carson publishes ‘Silent Spring’
General acceptance of dangers of chemical toxins affecting humans. The pesticide DDT is banned. -
NGOs Gain Greater Following
Public awareness grows. WWFN, Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth all formed. -
First Earth Summit - UN Conference on the Human Environment
Declaration of UN conference. Action Plan for the Human Environment. EnvironmentFund established. Formation of UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Earth Summits planned at ten-year intervals. -
Endangered Species Act
Act was passed by Congress to conserve and protect endangered and threatened species and their habitats both domestically and abroad (NOAA). -
C.I.T.E.S. formed by IUCN
Endangered species protected from international trade.