The Development of the Environmental Movement

  • Industrial Revolution in Europe

    Increased urbanization, resource usage and pollution.
  • Influential Individuals such as Thoreau and Muir Write Books on Conservation

    The first conservation groups and nature reserves were formed.
  • The Passenger Pigeon Becomes Extinct

    Conversation movement grows, concern for tigers.
  • Dustbowl in North America

    Recognition that agricultural practices may affect soils and climate.
  • Green Revolution- Intensive Technological Agriculture

    Resource use and pollution increased. Human population rising.
  • UK’s Ten National Parks are Established

    Recognition of need to conserve natural areas.
  • Minamata Bay Disaster

    Make known the ability of food chains to gather toxins into higher trophic levels.
  • NGOs Gain Greater Following

    Public awareness increases.
  • National Environmental Policy Act

    Congress passed the NEPA which made any federal agency provide an environmental impact statement for any new laws passed. -pbs.org
  • Earth Day

    The first earth day was orchestrated by Denis Haynes and 20 million people participated for the protest against environmental ignorance. -pbs.org
  • First Earth Summit- UN Conference on the Human Environment

    Action plan for the Human Environment, Environment Fund established and formation of UN Environment program.
  • C.I.T.E.S. Formed by IUCN

    Endangered species are protected from international trade.