-
Yosemite Articles by King
Thomas King writes an eight article series on Yosemite for a Boston newspaper. Helps to foster appreciation for Yosemite environment. -
John Tyndall Explains Greenhouse Effect
John Tyndall first explains the greenhouse effect in a lecture to the British Royal Society. This is the first major address of global warming. -
Yosemite Federally Protected
President Lincoln signs a bill to protect Yosemite California. -
"Ecology" Termed
The term "ecology" is first termed by German naturalist Ernst Haeckel -
Yellowstone National Park Act
President Grant signs Yellowstone National Park Act to protect an area for public interest. -
U.S. Geological Survey Established
In response for the growing need for scientific understanding of the environment of the U.S. -
U.S. Biological Survey Established
Established in response to the American Buffalo crisis. -
First Audubon Society Formed
In response to the over-killing of birds for feathers. -
Save Yosemite Campaign Begins
American naturalist John Muir begins his campaign to save the Yosemite forest from expoitation in a series of articles. -
End of the American Frontier
By this time, land had been claimed and divided. The westward expansion had decimated large areas of forest and sourounding environments. -
Sierra Club Founded
Founded by John Muir to advocate for wilderness conservation. -
CO2 Levels Predict Global Temp Increase
Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius predicts global temperature increases over time due to increasing CO2 levels in the atmosphere. -
Rivers and Harbors Act Enacted
This law consolidated 4 previous laws to protect natural waterways from pollution such as garbage and sewage. Fines included one year prison sentences for violations. -
Lacey Act and Buffalo at its Lowest
The Lacey Act was signed into law to protect from interstate trafficking of wild birds in response to the Audubon Society's concerns. Buffalo are down to a mere 40 animals from the estimated 30 million from a century previous. -
National Focus on Water Conservation and Reclamation
President T. Roosevelt in first message to congress emphasizes need for water conservation and reclamation efforts. -
First National Bird Preserve
President T. Roosevelt established first bird preserve in Florida. -
Bison Reserve Established
Congress sets aside a bison reserve to protect the endangered species at Flathead National Reserve in Montana -
First National Conference on Industrial Diseases
In response to human and environmental degradation due to factors related to the industrial revolution. -
Pesticides Act
States that pesticides are to be effective if sold. -
National Park Service Created
President Wilson established park service to “conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects [and] leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” -
Supreme Court Allows Sewage Dumping in NY Harbor
The supreme court rules in favor of letting a sewage company continue to dump into New York Harbor. -
Report: NY Air Pollution Cuts out 20-50 Percent of Sunlight
The Public Health Service conducts and investigation and reports that air pollution in New York City blocks out sunlight. -
Meuse River Valley Smog Incident
Smog trapped in a valley in Belgium kills 70 and ails 6000. -
First of Dust Bowl Storms Begins
Due to over-farming and degredation of forests, vasts amounts of land are laid barren. -
Greenhouse Effect Coined
Glen Trewartha, a professor of geology explains the trapping of solar heat due to CO2 in atmosphere. -
St. Louis Smog Incident
Citizens needed lanterns during the day for a week during the incident. Sparks a crusade by the St. Louis Post Dispatch and later recieves a Pulitzer for the first of Environmental Reporting. -
Bambi Begins Conservation in Movies
The Disney movie Bambi spurs a conservation movement in movies. -
US Drops Atomic Bombs on Japan
The beginning of the atomic age. Later discoveries of long term environmental devastation. -
International Whaling Commission Established
In response to the over-killing of whales down to endangered numbers. Japan and Norway ignore and continue to whale. -
Smog Kills in Pennsylvania and London
Smog continues to cause death and illness in industrialized cities. -
First UN Conference on the Environment
The UN holds its first environmental conference. -
Smog Continues to Kill
Repeat incidents in London and New York cause smog related deaths. -
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test
First realization that what humans do in one area of the planet affects the other areas of the planet. -
Air Pollution Control Act
Congress established air pollution act in response to the multiple smog related incidents. Later evolves into Clean Air Act of 1963 -
World's First Nuclear Power Plant
The UK establishes the first nuclear electric power plant. One year later a fire destroys the plant and leaks radiation into the environment. -
Minamata Disease
Japanese villagers died due to mercury dumping that affected fish that were eventually eaten by villagers. -
"Silent Spring" Published
Scientist and writer, Rachel Carson publishes Silent Spring. This book of environmental devastation sparks an immediate reaction by the public. This book is seen as a national turning point regarding environmentalism. -
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
Stops above ground nuclear testing in response to environmental and human effects of nuclear energy testing. -
National Environmental Policy Act
Act established to ensure a co-existence of humanity and its environment. -
Environmental Protection Agency
President Nixon establishes agency and consolidates many organizations under this auspice. -
Congressional Intervention
Congress passes several acts to conserve, protect and reclaim environmental quality. Included were acts regarding water pollution, coastal management, marine conservation, and instecticide/pesticide management. -
Congress Continues Environmental Act Establishment
Congress continues to enact policies that are meant to conserve and protect the environment. Included are legislation governing natural resources, land, whales and toxic chemicals. -
Three Mile Island Meltdown
Rekindles debate on safety of nuclear power. -
Chernobyl Nuclear Meltdown
Ukraine nuclear meltdown is massive causing global issues in its wake. Recently it has been discovered that significant amounts of birth defects are attributed to the meltdown. -
Safe Drinking Water Act
Updated to include over 80 pollutants and ban on lead pipe usage. -
UN Report on Climate Change
Warns of global warming due to CO2 emmissions and suggests policies to reduce. -
Kuwaiti Oil Fields Disaster
Oil fields burn for months creating a widespread environmental disaster leading to increases in respiratory illness in the area. -
We Are Experiencing Mass Extinction
Worldwatch reports that 7/10 scientists believe we are experiencing a mass extinction event. -
Biggest Environmental Disaster East of Mississippi
300 million gallons of coal slurry explode out into the surrounding environment from the side of a mountainside. Exposes corruption within environmental agency. -
Bush Administration Reverses Environmental Trends
President G.W. Bush promotes policies that rollback conservation and protection efforts in favor of capitalist gains. -
Obama Promises Environment Agenda
President Obama wins election and begins to enact policy that is meant to reinstate much of the previous environmental policy, starting with land and forest reserves.
