Environmental news in 1990

Here are some significant environmental news stories from 1990:

  1. Oil Spill in Alaska: On March 24, 1990, the Exxon Valdez oil tanker ran aground in Prince William Sound, Alaska, causing one of the most devastating environmental disasters in history. An estimated 11 million gallons of crude oil spilled into the sound, killing thousands of marine animals and contaminating the surrounding ecosystem.
  2. Global Warming: In 1990, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established to study the issue of global warming. The IPCC's first report, released in 1990, concluded that human activities were likely responsible for the observed warming trend and warned of severe consequences if greenhouse gas emissions continued to rise.
  3. CFC Ban: The Montreal Protocol, an international treaty aimed at protecting the ozone layer, came into effect in 1990. The treaty banned the production and consumption of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were found to be depleting the ozone layer.
  4. Endangered Species Act: In 1990, the U.S. Congress passed the Endangered Species Act Amendments, which strengthened protections for endangered species and their habitats.
  5. Toxic Waste Crisis: In 1990, a toxic waste crisis in Times Beach, Missouri, made international headlines. The town was found to be contaminated with dioxin, a highly toxic chemical, and was eventually abandoned.
  6. Deforestation: The 1990s saw a significant increase in deforestation, with an estimated 15% of the world's forests lost between 1990 and 2000. This led to concerns about climate change, biodiversity loss, and indigenous community displacement.
  7. Nuclear Waste Disposal: In 1990, the U.S. Department of Energy announced plans to build a nuclear waste disposal facility at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. The project was met with opposition from local communities and environmental groups.
  8. Sustainable Development: The 1990s saw a growing focus on sustainable development, with the United Nations launching the Agenda 21 program in 1992. The program aimed to promote sustainable development and reduce poverty worldwide.
  9. Environmental Justice: The 1990s saw increased awareness of environmental justice issues, with communities of color and low-income communities disproportionately affected by pollution and environmental degradation.
  10. Greenpeace Activism: In 1990, Greenpeace activists occupied a nuclear submarine in the Arctic Circle to protest nuclear testing. The stunt drew international attention and highlighted the organization's commitment to non-violent direct action.

These are just a few of the many significant environmental news stories from 1990. The decade was marked by growing concerns about climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation, as well as increased awareness of environmental justice and sustainable development issues.