Starting in the 1970s, activists and scientists began warning the public about environmental health threats. Since that time, global commissions have been working to understand the depth and veracity of those threats to natural resources, plant and animal diversity, and human health and society. We’ve seen implementation of pollution controls, toxic chemical bans, and conservation efforts. However, it has not been until the new Millennium drew near that the average citizen began understanding about the realities of climate change, overpopulation, and waste.
Though recycling has taken hold and science is bearing down on improving renewable energy sources, there is much progress to be made in learning to live sustainable lifestyles in sustainable communities. A global summit sponsored by the United Nations will take place in Rio De Janeiro in 2012 at which nations all over the world hope to come to some agreements about how to work together to ensure a better, healthier future for the Earth than is currently being forecast.