World Wildlife Fund (WWF, now called World Wide Fund for Nature) set up in Switzerland, with manifesto signed by Peter Scott, Julian Huxley, Max Nicholson and other conservationists.
1962
The beginning of the modern environmental movement: Rachel CarsonΓÇÖs ΓÇÿSilent SpringΓÇÖ published in the US, leading to public outcry over insecticides causing animal deaths.
1963
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
1966
Barbara Ward publishes ΓÇÿSpaceship EarthΓÇÖ, exploring economics and the environment.
1967
Torrey Canyon spills 100,000 tons of crude oil off Cornwall.
Opposition in US to siting of nuclear power stations.
1968
Friends of the Earth (FoE) launched in the US by David Brower.
Countryside Commission (Scotland) created.
Council of Europe passes Agreement on the Restriction of Certain Detergents in Washing and Cleaning Products.
1969
Countryside Commission (England and Wales) created.
PM Harold Wilson sets up Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution.
Cuyahuga River near Cleveland, Ohio catches fire owing to chemical wastes.
First demonstration by the DonΓÇÖt Make a Wave Committee (later to grow into Greenpeace) against nuclear testing in the Pacific.
1970
Launch of Edward GoldsmithΓÇÖs ΓÇÿEcologistΓÇÖ magazine.
Department of the Environment founded, responsible for ΓÇÿthe whole range of functions which affect peopleΓÇÖs living environmentΓÇÖ.
Friends of the Earth set up in UK: early campaigns on fur trade, copper mining in Snowdonia and non-returnable bottles.
1971
GovernmentΓÇÖs Chief Medical Officer recommends airborne lead levels should not rise above existing levels.
Friends of the Earth publishes The UserΓÇÖs Guide to the Protection of the Environment. Also raises public awareness by dumping 1,500 non-returnable bottles outside SchweppesΓÇÖ London HQ.
Greenpeace founded in Canada: first action is to sail boat towards Amchitka nuclear test zone.
