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Environmental Policy

The History of Environmental Policy

Environmental Policy History

Environmental policy has a long and varied history. It can be traced back to the early 19th century when the British government passed legislation to regulate air pollution from factories. Since then, environmental policy has evolved to address a range of issues, from water and air pollution to biodiversity conservation and climate change.

The Modern Environmental Movement

In the United States, the modern environmental movement began in the 1960s with the publication of Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring, which highlighted the negative impacts of pesticides on the environment. During the 1970s, the US government passed a series of landmark environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. These laws established a framework for regulating pollution and protecting natural resources. Other countries around the world followed suit, passing their own environmental laws and regulations.

Global Environmental Policy

In the 1980s and 1990s, environmental policy began to focus more on global issues, such as climate change and ozone depletion. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, signed in 1992, was a major milestone in global environmental policy. The treaty established a framework for international cooperation to address climate change and set the stage for the Kyoto Protocol, which was adopted in 1997.

Current Environmental Issues

Today, environmental policy continues to evolve as new challenges arise. Current issues include biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Governments around the world are working to develop policies and regulations to address these issues and promote sustainability.

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Introduction to Environmental Policy

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The Key Players in Environmental Policy Making

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