Date of Birth: April 29, 1929
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: November 27, 2015
Biography
Maurice Frederick Strong was a Canadian businessman and environmentalist known for his significant contributions to the global environmental movement. Born in Oak Lake, Manitoba, Strong rose from humble beginnings to become a leading figure in both the business world and international environmental efforts. He started his career in the oil and energy sectors but later transitioned into roles that allowed him to influence environmental policy on a global scale. Strong served as the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in 1972 and later became the first Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). His work in these roles was instrumental in raising awareness about environmental issues and shaping international environmental policies. He also played a crucial role in organizing the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, one of the largest international conferences ever held on environmental and sustainable development issues. Throughout his career, Strong held various positions in both the public and private sectors, including serving as President of Power Corporation of Canada, Chairman of Petro-Canada, and President of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Despite facing some controversies and allegations later in his career, Strong’s legacy as a pioneer in environmental advocacy remains influential.
5 Interesting Facts about Maurice Strong
1. Maurice Strong was one of the world’s first proponents of sustainable development, advocating for policies that balance environmental health with economic growth.
2. He was instrumental in the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and served as its first Executive Director.
3. Strong played a key role in organizing the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which led to the adoption of critical environmental agreements like the Rio Declaration and Agenda 21.
4. He served as the President of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), where he focused on international development and poverty alleviation.
5. Despite his environmental advocacy, Strong began his career in the oil industry, working for companies like Dome Petroleum and Power Corporation of Canada.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Maurice Strong
1. “Don’t accept that you can’t make a difference. Because if you can’t make a difference, you won’t make a difference.”
2. “We may get to the point where the only way of saving the world will be for industrial civilization to collapse.”
3. “The environment isn’t just a cause, it’s the basis of survival.”
4. “The challenge is to manage our resources in a way that sustains our progress and secures the future for generations to come.”
5. “Achieving sustainability is the only way to guarantee that our children and future generations will have the resources they need to thrive.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Maurice Strong was estimated to be around $100 million.
Children
Maurice Strong had four children with his wife Hanne Strong: David, Kenneth, Norman, and Gale.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia – Maurice Strong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Strong
3. [The Guardian Obituary](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/nov/30/maurice-strong
