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Population reached 1 billion
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Population reached 2 billion
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Founding of IUCN
The International Union for Conservation of Nature was founded in Fortainebleau, France to save animal and plant species. This organization focuses on biodiversity and nature conservation. -
Nature Conservancy
This organization protects ecosystems and environments. Over 119 million acres of land are protected by this organization. -
Air Pollution Control Act
This act was created to combat the problem of air pollution. It declared air pollution a national environmental problem and influenced states to increase air quality. -
Minamata
This disease was caused by the release of methylmercury into Minamata bay from the Chisso Corporation's petrochemical factory.This event raised awareness of the danger of wastewater and the importance of disposing of it correctly. -
Silent Spring
This book helped to launch the global environmental movement. Many toxic chemicals were banned or restricted by the government after this was released. It also affected the attitude of many Americans about the environment. -
Santa Barbara Oil Spill
Oil spilled into the ocean killing many birds and fish. This event brought awareness for the environment and new restrictions to prevent accidents like this in the future. -
Gaia Hypothesis
This hypothesis was made by James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis with the idea that everything living on Earth works to regulate the Earth like an organism. It raised awareness on the need for taking care of the Earth as a whole. -
The Limits to Growth
This book helped to raise awareness for the increasing population, the availability of natural resources and the need to take better care of the environment. -
Clean Water Act
This act regulates the where pollutants go in order to protect the water. It also restricts how untreated wastewater can be disposed of. Clean water is important for animals, humans, and the environment. -
Stockholm Conference
This was an international conference on environmental issues and how human activity affects the environment. -
Endangered Species Act
Entire habitats and ecosystems have been destroyed or changed causing the endangerment of some species. This act was created to protect them and the environment. -
Whaling (Save the Whale)
The practice of whaling brought some species to near extinction. The organization "Save the Whale" was founded to protect them and other species in the ocean. -
Bhopal
Approximately 42 tons of methyl isocynate gas was leaked from the Union Carbide Pesticide plant killing 3800 people and many more after. This led to the government enforcing more standards to prevent this in the future and protect the environment. -
Chernobyl
Reactor number 4 at the Chernobyl power plant exploded and released radioactive gas killing several personnel. This event led to better reactor safety and awareness of nuclear power. -
Population reached 5 billion
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Our Common Future
This report outlined environmental concerns and promoted international agreements for sustainable development. -
Kyoto
The Kyoto protocol is a treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It has been signed by nearly all nations. -
An Inconvenient Truth
This popularity of this documentary led to more people than ever hearing about global warming and brought awareness for the environment. -
Tennessee Coal Ash Spill
At the Kingston Fossil Plant, a dike collapsed releasing 1 billion gallons of coal sludge. The sludge was full of toxic heavy metals. This raised awareness of how damaging fossils fuels are to the environment. -
Copenhagen Summit
This conference was called to respond to climate change and what steps need to be taken to reduce it. Over 115 world leaders attended. -
Current population is 7.7 billion