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The Great Smog of London
This environmental disaster killed an estimated 4,000 people and prompted the UK government to pass the Clean Air Act in 1956, which aimed to reduce air pollution from industries and homes. -
Cuyahoga River Fire
The Cuyahoga River in Ohio, USA, caught fire due to pollution from oil and industrial waste, highlighting the severe water pollution in the country. This event helped spur the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970. -
Bhopal Gas Tragedy
The accidental release of toxic gas from a pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, killed thousands of people and injured hundreds of thousands more. The disaster drew international attention to the need for stronger industrial regulations and corporate accountability. -
Kyoto Protocol
This international treaty, adopted in Kyoto, Japan, aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change. It set binding emissions reduction targets for developed countries, but some criticized it for not doing enough to address global environmental challenges. -
Flint Water Crisis
The city of Flint, Michigan, USA, switched its water source to the Flint River in 2014, which led to widespread lead contamination in the drinking water. Environmental justice leader Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha helped uncover the crisis and pushed for action to protect the health of Flint's residents.