-
Mercury poisoning from industrial wastewater caused neurological disorders in Minamata, Japan. This drew global attention to the dangers of industrial pollution and need for stricter regulations.
(https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/minamata-as-a-window-on-modern-japan.com) -
A popular song by Joni Mitchell that highlighted environmental destruction. This song helped spread ecological awareness through popular culture.
(https://www.science.smith.edu/climatelit/big-yellow-taxi-by-joni-mitchell.com) -
DDT was a widely used pesticide that severely harmed wildlife, especially birds. The ban showed how science + activism can change policy and protect ecosystems.
(https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/ddt-brief-history-and-status.com) -
A 738-day tree-sit in a Redwood. Julia Hill lived in a 1,000 year old tree to stop logging. She became a symbol of grassroots activism and forest conservation.
(https://juliabutterflyhill.com/julia.com) -
Pesticide plant gas leak killed thousands.
Exposed the risks of chemical industries and need for corporate accountability.
(https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1476-069X-4-6?.com) -
Nuclear reactor explosion spread radiation across Europe. Turned public opinion against nuclear power in many countries.
(https://www.environmentandsociety.org/arcadia/nuclear-power-no-thanks-aftermath-chernobyl-italy-and-nuclear-power-referendum-1987.com) -
NASA scientist warned Congress about human-caused climate change. Marked the start of climate change entering mainstream political debate.
(https://unfoundation.org/blog/post/the-historic-1988-senate-climate-hearing-30-years-later.com) -
Documentary on global warming. Brought climate change awareness to a wide public audience worldwide.
(https://unfoundation.org/blog/post/the-historic-1988-senate-climate-hearing-30-years-later.com) -
Book exposing the dangers of pesticides like DDT. Sparked the modern environmental movement and the creation of the EPA.
(https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/rachel-carsons-natural-histories.com) -
Earthquake/tsunami triggered nuclear meltdown. Renewed fears about nuclear safety, influencing global energy debates.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukushima_nuclear_accident.com) -
Gorilla shot after child entered enclosure. Sparked discussions about animal rights, conservation, and human–wildlife interactions.
(https://time.com/4353464/cincinnati-zoo-gorilla-harambe.com) -
Teen activist spoke on climate inaction. She inspired global youth-led climate strikes and movements like Fridays for Future.
(https://www.wired.com/story/greta-thunberg-climate-crisis.com)
You are not authorized to access this page.