History of Conservation

History of Conservation

Most people want to protect and preserve Earth’s ecosystems. They feel it is important to safeguard ecosystems to sustain biodiversity. They also believe it’s important to wisely use resources so we do not deplete them. The wise management of resources and preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity is called conservation. Conservationists are people who support or advocate for preservation and protection of the environment. It takes effort from conservationists all over the world to protect the environment.

Today, conservationists focus on protecting entire ecosystems. Protecting entire ecosystems ensure that natural habitats and interactions between different species are preserved at the same time. Conservationists advocate for laws that protect land, wildlife and resources. Today there are many laws and regulations that protect ecosystems and endangered species. Governments and conservationists work together worldwide to help preserve land, wildlife and resources.

Protecting Land and Wildlife

Establishment of national parks was the first step in protecting entire ecosystems. National parks are protected lands. Yellowstone became the first national park in the United States in 1872. It was also the world’s first national park. Yellowstone spans 3,468 square miles and protects hundreds of animals including several species that are endangered or threatened. It also protects natural resources and ecological features such as the Old Faithful Geyser. Today there are 59 national parks in the US. More than 100 countries have established national parks within their borders as well. National parks cannot be exploited or settled by humans. Humans cannot hunt, farm or consume resources in a national park.

In 1900, the United States passed the Lacey Act. This was the first major national wildlife conservation law. The Lacey Act made transportation of illegally killed animals across state borders a federal crime. This law protected all wildlife, their parts or products and plants.

To further protect natural habitats and wildlife, the United States passed the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act in 1934. This law protected fish and wildlife. It authorized research to study the effects of pollutants on ecosystems as well. It also created the need for federal conservation agencies. In 1940, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service was formed. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is an agency dedicated to managing and protecting fish, wildlife and natural habitats.

In 1966, the Endangered Species Preservation Act was passed. At the time, people were concerned that species were disappearing in the United States. The passenger pigeon was hunted to extinction and the bison population was quickly declining. This act permitted identification and research of endangered species. In 1973, Congress rewrote the act as the Endangered Species Act. The revised act provided protection for threatened and endangered species. It also protected ecosystems that these species depended on.

Protecting Water Resources

In 1899, the United States passed The Refuse Act. This was the first law to regulate water pollution. The Refuse Act limited dumping sewage and other waste into waterways. To further regulate water pollution, congress passed the Federal Water Pollution Control Act in 1948. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act created a set of water quality standards. It also provided funds to state and local governments to enforce the standards. These laws only gave the government limited authority in regulating water pollution. In 1972, the Clean Water Act established high limitations on the release of toxic chemicals, sewage and other pollutants into water.

Unfortunately, the Clean Water Act did not address groundwater pollution. As a result, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1974. The Safe Drinking Water Act set standards for drinking water quality. The law protected every public water system, including groundwater sources, in the United States.

Protecting Air Resources

The Air Pollution Control Act was passed in 1955. It was the first federal law that addressed air pollution as a national problem. The act declared air pollution as a danger to public health. It permitted and funded research for air pollution control. It also required states to set regulations to control air pollution.

In 1963, Congress passed the Clean Air Act. This act gave the federal government authority to regulate and control air pollution. Furthermore, the act expanded the air pollution research program and paved the way for the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA was formed in 1970. This federal agency enforces environmental laws passed by Congress in order to protect human health and the environment

The Clean Air Act was amended several times. Each amendment tightened regulations on release of air pollutants. In 1965, Congress passed the Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Control Act as an amendment to the Clean Air Act. This act set the first vehicle emissions standards. In 1990, the Clean Air Act was amended to address acid rain and ozone depletion.

Global Conservation Efforts

A great challenge in advancing conservation efforts is obtaining international support and collaboration. In 1992, the United Nation held a conference in Brazil. The purpose of the conference was to formulate solutions to environmental problems. The conference was called the Earth Summit. At the Earth Summit, nations discussed issues such as worldwide loss of species. A second Earth Summit was held in 2002 in South Africa.

In 2012, the United Nations held a 10-day conference on sustainable development. Sustainable development is using natural resources at a rate that does not deplete them. If we use resources too quickly, they may not be available for future generations. At the conference, nations set social, economic and environmental goals to protect and preserve Earth’s ecosystems and resources.

How do we inspire others to protect the environment?

Laws and regulations help wildlife and resources because they oblige people to protect the environment. However, the best way to encourage people to protect the environment and conserve resources is to provide education. It increases their awareness about ecological relationships, limited resources and biodiversity. Usually this prompts people to take better care of the environment. Also, it motivates people to advocate for better protection of the environment and management of natural resources.

TIMELINE DIRECTIONS:

First color your timeline events sheet:

1. Color the land and wildlife protection events green.

2. Color the water protection events blue.

3. Color the air protection events pink.

4. Color the global conservation efforts orange.

Then cut and paste/ or tape:

5. Cut out the “colored” events.

6. Arrange the events on the timeline in the correct chronological order.

7. Glue the events in correct order onto your timeline page.