-
10,000 BCE
Neolithic Agricultural Revolution
Humans became farmers instead of nomadic hunter-gatherers. During the Neolithic Agricultural Revolution the human population increased and local resources (food, water, fuel) were managed sustainably from around the settlement. This is significant to modern environment movement because the way we live today is result of the Neolithic revolution. Today we live in homes, protected by laws, eating food form farms. Ultimately, giving us time to learn, explore, and invent. -
The Industrial Revolution
Industrial revolution was an era where advancements in agricultural techniques destroyed the old ways of doing things. There was a growth in population and resource usage escalated. After this cities became crowded and smoky. The land was cleared and natural waterways were polluted. Everything we have today is a result of the industrial revolution. An although we benefit a lot from the this revolution, it was the spark of many environmental issues we carry today. -
Period: to
Dustbowl in North America
The United States suffered a severe drought in the 1930s through the 1940s. The areas most affected were the southern Plains (North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, New Mexico, and Texas). Soil became dry and farmers could not grow crops. Over-cultivation and years of drought were what caused the Dust Bowl. This was important because it made people aware of how poor agricultural methods can affect soil and climate. -
Period: to
Green Revolution
The Green Revolution is mainly known for its increased in the production of food grains, more specifically, wheat and rice, to supply enough food for the growing human population and in the end winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for saving the lives of many from starvation. As food production increase so did the use in burning of of fossil fuel and the use of fertilizer and pesticides. Leading to the problems we carry today. Like, global warming, pollution, etc. -
Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring"
Rachel Carson’s book, "Silent Spring”, is said to have been the spark that lit up what is today the environmental movement. The book warns about the effects of pesticides and how those effects are passed down the food chain eventually accumulating in fatty acids and leaving people with high risks of cancer. Her beliefs brought up lots of controversy between may politicians, scientist, etc. -
First Earth Summit - UN Conference on the Human Environment
The formation of the UN Environment Program (UNEP) attend a UN conference to discuss and create and action plan for the human environment and establish and environment fund.This is significant because the government is accepting environmental problems as a global issue and can eventually lead to a faster more efficient way of maintaining safety not just for humankind, but for the environment. -
Bhopal Disaster
Bhopal disaster was the world’s worst industrial disaster. It occurred on December 2, 1984 in Bhopal, India. The Union Carbide pesticide plant released about 40 tons of methyl isocyanate (MIC), which is a high toxic gas, along with many other poisonous gases eventually leading to the deaths of 15,000-22,000 people over the years. Sadly it is significant events like these that really open the eyes of the public and create awareness of the issues happening and the gaps in our systems. -
Chernobyl Disaster
In 1986 the worst nuclear disaster to ever take place, occurred in Chernobyl, Ukraine. The Chernobyl disaster was a fatal steam explosion and graphite fire resulting in a level 7, which is the highest level there is. The estimate of the deaths vary, however, it is believed to be about 1 million deaths and about 5,000 cancers. These events are very important. They are what really open the eyes of the pubic and actually make an impact in them to make a difference. -
Kyoto protocol becomes a legal requirement
The Kyoto protocol is an international agreement signed by 174 countries developed under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to reduce the amount of carbon emissions. However, the contract expired in 2012. I think this is a really important event because it’s small victories like these that inspire Greenpeace activist, supporters, and volunteers around the world to continue defending the natural world. -
Film ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ release
Al Gore, former Vice President of the Unites States of America, was influenced by Rachel Carson’s, “Silent Spring” novel, so much that he got involved in environmental issues. Specifically, with his documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth". Many wouldn’t consider this an important part of history, but I do. Al Gore who is already a well recognizable man with many advocates could make an influence on even more people and motivate them to get involved with environment issues, as he did. -
Period: to
Sources
“A Fierce Green Fire.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 12 Aug. 2015, www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/a-fierce-green-fire-timeline-of-environmental-movement/2988/. German, Senta. “The Neolithic Revolution.” Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/global-prehistory-ap/paleolithic-mesolithic-neolithic/a/the-neolithic-revolution. -
Period: to
Sources
“Kyoto Protocol Becomes Law.” Greenpeace International, 16 Feb. 2005, www.greenpeace.org/international/en/news/features/kyoto-protocol-becomes-law/. Montagna, Joseph A. “The Industrial Revolution .” 81.02.06: The Industrial Revolution, teachersinstitute.yale.edu/curriculum/units/1981/2/81.02.06.x.html. -
Period: to
Sources
Rutherford, Jill, and Gillian Williams. Environmental Systems and Societies: for the IB Diploma. Oxford University Press, 2016. The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “Bhopal Disaster.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 22 Nov. 2015, www.britannica.com/event/Bhopal-disaster.
