Almeida Music
Environmental Issues
Unit One

As I did research on the internet about the major contributions that have been made to the environmental science and that have led to a better understanding of the Earth’s environment and our place in it, I have found out a lot of interesting information. I have found how women have made major contributions to the environmental service, boy scouts making contributions and some famous scientists who have made contributions. It was very interesting because I had never known that our environment is so important and that many people have had major impacts on it. I found it very interesting to see how the Boy Scouts of America have made some important contributions to environmental services. Many of the troops engage in trash collection and cleanup projects. They also follow the Leave No Trace laws while on camp-outs and other outdoor activities. These are young boys who care about the environment they live in and do whatever it is to help out. I think it’s so important for younger children to know about our environment. Our generations are becoming so tech savvy that it is unbelievable, instead of children helping out, they are using technology as an excuse that they can’t do any outdoor activities or helping change the environment we live in. Boy Scouts of America have made major contributions dating back to the 1700’s all the way until today. To be honest, I would have never known this if I didn’t do any research. I think it is so important to keep our environment clean and picking up trash for a good cause and it is such an amazing thing that we have people who actually do care and want to help. As I have stated some of the most famous scientists have made many major contributions. Some of these scientists are Albert Einstein who introduced the theory of relativity, Karl Jung who discovered the second personality of alcoholics (Alter/Ego), Agapito Flores who invented fluorescent lamps, Fe Del Mundo who invented the incubator and the list goes on. In one way or another all of these important people have made some major contributions to the environmental science. One in particular woman has made a huge contribution to the environmental science. Her name is Rachel Carson, who was born in 1907. She actually began working as a biologist and by the 1950’s has begun writing about nature and her findings. She had written a book called Silent Spring, where she explored the harmful effects of “safe chemicals”. The book talked about pesticides and other chemicals sprayed freely, were having detrimental effects on people as well as the environment. Her work led to the first investigation into the dangers of these chemicals (Oharem, 2009). I think it is great that she actually wanted to know about these chemicals and how these chemicals affected not only us humans but the environment. I also think it is cool someone actually took the time to find out the dangers of these chemicals. I don’t see too many people worry about the economy unless its scientists. I have researched a lot and didn’t find much, however I may have researched the wrong stuff or it just isn’t out there. However I think that there are a lot of people as I have named, events, organizations, laws and books have made a lot of impacts on our environment. I think a book like ours for this class gives at least me a lot of information about the environment. I have taken microeconomics and macroeconomics and have learned a lot. Prior to taking any of these classes, I have never really cared about our environment. I just didn’t have an interest in it. I had more interest in going to school and learning about Human Resources. Now I care about the chemicals that are out there harming not only us humans but our environment as well.

Earth Timeline: How People Have Affected the Environment

3.85 billion years ago:
Life on Earth begins.
10,000 years ago:
More than 15 billion acres of land are covered with forest.
1750–1850:
The Industrial Revolution. Fossil fuels used in factories.
1957–1958:
The International Geophysical Year. Scientists from 67 nations collaborate during an 18-month period to study atmospheric gases, the ozone layer, and the ocean floor. Antarctica is declared a neutral zone to be used only for international scientific research.
1960s:
Dangers to the ozone layer from jet planes are investigated.
1970:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is formed by the U.S. government to enforce laws that protect the environment.
1970 (April 22):
Earth has its first official birthday celebration in the U.S. More than 20 million people march in parades, sing songs, and attend teach-ins on the environment.
1973:
The Endangered Species Act is passed to protect wildlife. Every year the names of 35 to 60 insects, plants, and animals are added to the list of species threatened with extinction. By 1998, there were about 1,200 threatened and endangered plants and animals on the list.
1974:
The Safe Drinking Water Act outlaws pollutants (substances in water that make people sick) to ensure that people drink safe water.
1982:
A hole is discovered in the ozone layer over the Antarctic by a British scientist, Joe Farman.
1982:
The EPA creates a superfund, setting large amounts of money aside to clean up harmful waste sites across the U.S.
1988:
Scientists discover a second hole in the ozone layer, this time over the Arctic.
1990 (April 22):
Earth Day 2 is celebrated. This time 100 million people around the globe participate. The tradition of celebrating Earth Day every year on or around April 22 is begun.
1990s:
“The Decade of the Environment.” Congress passes stricter environmental laws; people are increasingly committed to protecting the environment; mandatory recycling begins in many cities and towns; cars must pass annual emissions tests to protect the air quality; people are more careful about how they use energy at home.

References
Oharem. (2009, December 17). What are some of the important contributions women have made to environmental science? Retrieved from http://greenanswers.com/question/what-are-some-important-contribut/ http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/.html." Fact Monster.
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13 Oct. 2013 http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0769077.html