World Environment Day: 50 Years of Climate Action

1962: Silent Spring Sparks a Movement
Marine biologist and author Rachel Carson took a bold step by addressing a topic few dared to confront at the time. Her groundbreaking book, Silent Spring, sounded the alarm about the harmful effects of pesticides used in agriculture, igniting the modern environmental movement.

1985: The Antarctic Ozone Hole Discovered
Researchers uncovered a 7.3 million square mile hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica. Within two years, the United States and over 100 other countries committed to phasing out the use of ozone-depleting compounds known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). This pivotal discovery spurred international efforts to protect the ozone layer.

2006: An Inconvenient Truth Shines a Light on Climate Change
Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore's Oscar-winning documentary vividly illustrated the dangers posed by the climate crisis. It emphasized that sustainable practices and policy changes could address this pressing issue. The film sparked widespread awareness and galvanized global conversations about climate action.

2015: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch Mapped
In August 2015, around 30 vessels embarked on the largest ocean research expedition ever to explore the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Spanning an area five times the size of Turkey, this massive accumulation of marine debris is located between California and Hawaii. It also gained attention during the 16th Istanbul Biennial, underscoring the urgency of addressing plastic pollution in our oceans.

2019: Greta Thunberg Leads a New Generation of Activists
At just 16 years old, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was named Time’s 2019 "Person of the Year" for her impactful work on climate change. In an emotional speech addressing world leaders, she boldly declared, "Change is coming, whether you like it or not." Her unwavering determination and courage have inspired millions, paving the way for a new era of climate activism.