The first United Nations Conference on the Human Environment began in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972.

The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment brought together representatives from 113 countries, numerous agencies and international organizations and the United Nations. The Conference was the first major international gathering organized to debate environmental issues. The Conference agreed on several principles known as the Stockholm Declaration. First among these was the idea that humans must be allowed to live with dignity, and that oppressive or discriminatory policies must be condemned. The Conference also agreed that humans have the responsibility to preserve natural resources and wildlife for future generations, and that pollution must be controlled. The rights of nations to use their natural resources were recognized, as was the importance of planning, education and scientific research. The Declaration also stressed the importance of more equitable global development, and the elimination of weapons of mass destruction. The U.N. Conference on the Human Environment also led to the founding of the United Nations Environment Program. Twenty years later, another Earth Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and was attended by representatives of 178 countries and over 1,000 agencies.

Science NetLinks
The Science Update Houses and Environment (6–12) examines how a trend toward smaller households is putting a bigger strain on the environment.

The Science Update Mercury Sunrise (6–12) explores the relationship between seasonal cycles and pollution in the Arctic Circle.

Cancer Risks (9–12) describes environmental and hereditary factors that increase the chance of developing cancer.

EconEdLink
Is Globalization a Dirty Word? (9–12) helps students to analyze economic data regarding the connection between poverty reduction, economic growth and globalization. Students consider benefits and disadvantages of globalization in a variety of areas, including the environment.

Xpeditions
In No Magic Borders (K–2), students identify some of the causes and effects of pollution and then discuss whether borders effectively keep pollution out of public lands.

During the U.N. Conference on the Human Environment, there was much discussion about the need to alleviate hunger and raise the standard of living in underdeveloped areas in order to encourage a concern for environmental issues. Addressing World Hunger (6–8) introduces students to programs that exist to address the complex problem of world hunger.

Illuminations
In Mathematics and Environmental Concerns (Pre-K–2), students participate in activities in which they investigate the data in connection with recyclable materials and develop plans to help the environment.

ReadWriteThink
In Persuasive Essay: Environmental Issues (6–8), students explore environmental issues that are relevant to their own lives, self-select topics and gather information to write persuasive essays.

EDSITEment
In the unit Folktales and Ecology: Animals and Humans in Cooperation and Conflict (3–5), students study relationships between humans and animals in folktales in order to highlight issues concerning ecology and the environment.