Timeline of Global Warming The Global Warming Timeline covers major moments in the history of Global Warming. For a more detailed look, read the articles in full below, or search for Global Warming Timeline in this archive.
1400-1850 The Little Ice Age covers the globe with record cold, large glaciers and snow. This massive climate change triggers disease, famine and death. Today, many scientists believe that global warming caused by the greenhouse effect will be the fastest warming of the Earth since the end of the Little Ice Age. Read Articles Yesterday morning The Times, December 25, 1788 Of the Famine The Edinburgh Advisor, September 3, 1784 Frankfort Dec 9 The Times, January 1, 1789 Cold Winters in the Olden Times Tioga Eagle, February 27, 1850 1841 Newspapers report on Jean Baptiste Joseph Fourier's theory about the earth's warming. However, many believe that the warming of the earth is a positive development. Read Article Important Discovery in Agriculture Milwaukee Sentinel and Wisconsin Farmer, December 4, 1841 1894 Newspapers reflect on the past decade that brought about a revolution in the labor industries. During the 20th century, scientists will mark this time period as the beginning of industrial pollution of the environment. Read Articles Labor in History The Daily Northwestern, February 10, 1894 An Industrial Recolution The Atlanta Constitution, February 7, 1894 The Industrial Revolution The Daily Nebraska State Journal, July 3, 1886 1913-1914 Swedish scientist and Nobel Laureate Svente Arrhenius coins the term "greenhouse effect" and predicts that the Earth's climate is slowly warming. However, Arrhenius argues that change is thousands of years away and many scientists dismiss the plausibility of the theory. Arrhenius' prediction sparks speculation about the end of the world Read Articles (pictured on right) How and Why Earth Will End The Washington Post, March 23, 1913 Which Catastrophe Will End the Life of the Earth The Indianapolis Star, May 31, 1914 1933 President Roosevelt establishes the Soil Erosion Service in response to the devastation of the Dust Bowl and as a part of his New Deal programs to create jobs. The Soil Erosion Service is the predecessor of the Soil Conservation Service established in 1935, which is known today as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NCRS). Read Articles Presidents Plan To Make 250000 Jobs The Fredrick Post, March 29, 1933 Flood Control Without Dams or Levees The Weekly Kansas Star, November 1, 1933 250000 On Soil Demonstration The Daily Northwestern, October 19, 1933 1934 April 14: The worst dust storm of the Dust Bowl grips the American Midwest in what later becomes known as "Black Sunday." The Dust Bowl is believed to have been caused by soil erosion brought about by poor farming techniques. Read Articles (pictured on right) Cold, Dust Storms Gripping Middle West The Evening Tribune, April 15, 1935 Dust Death Despair The Brainerd Daily Dispatch, April 15, 1935 Another Dust Storm Sweeps Western Area The Leader Call, April 15, 1935 Offer Prayers to End Dust The Fredrick Post, April 15, 1935 1949-1950 Amateur scientist, G.S. Callendar claims that the greenhouse effect is on the way and is directly linked to human actions. Callendar's claims are largely dismissed. However, in response to his theories scientists begin to develop new ways to measure the Earth's climate. Read Articles (pictured on right) Man May Be Making Weather Warmer The Nebraska State Journal, October 23, 1949 Look Out The Zanesville Signal, January 15, 1950 Warmer Earth May Mean US Dark Ages The Charleston Daily Mail, October 30, 1949 1950-1970 The development of new technology leads to an increased awareness about global warming and the greenhouse effect. New studies begin to show that the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is rising each year and pollution concerns begin to enter into every day life. Read Articles Air Pollution to Forefront Dixon Evening Telegraph, September 23, 1955 Control of Temperature Said Vital Walla Walla Union Bulletin, April 9, 1957 Slight Warming Trend The Coshocton Tribune, March 11, 1960 Pollution Threat Continues To Grow Iowa City Press Citizen, November 22, 1968 Hopes Dim for Clean Air The Oakland Tribune, July 5, 1969 1984-1990 Theories about global warming and the greenhouse effect become more prevalent, gaining attention from mass media. However, many people believe the threat is not eminent and some doubt that global climate change is a danger. Read Articles (pictured on right) The Greenhouse Effect Syracuse Herald Journal, October 29, 1984 Global Warming The News, December 27, 1989 Global Warming Syracuse Herald Journal, April 16, 1990 1992 June 3: The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development commences. It ends with more than 150 nations signing a declaration committing themselves to reducing carbon dioxide emissions in their countries. Read Articles (pictured on right) The largest summit in history The Post Standard, June 3, 1992 Nations clas at first ever Earth Summit The Intelligencer, June 4, 1992 North vs South Rich vs Poor The Syracuse Herald Journal, June 3, 1992 1997-2005 On December 1, 1997 a worldwide conference on global warming begins in Kyoto, Japan. 125 nations sign the Kyoto Protocol, committing to reduce pollution. However, the United States refuses to sign it stating that it is impractical. The Kyoto treaty would later come into effect in 2005. Read Articles Global Issue Syracuse Herald Journal, December 1, 1997 Bush seeks global solutions to fighting climate changes The Syracuse Herald Journal, June 12, 2001 Other nations The News, August 3, 2001		Newspaper Articles (click to view readable full images) The Indianapolis Star May 31, 1914 The Evening Tribune April 15, 1935 The Nebraska State Journal October 23, 1949 The Coshocton Tribune March 11, 1960 The Oakland Tribune July 5, 1969 Syracuse Herald Journal October 29, 1984 The News December 27, 1989 Syracuse Herald Journal April 16, 1990 The Intelligencer June 4, 1992