1972 represents a watershed moment in human history, with recognition that our activities were not only impacting ecosystems but also feeding back directly into human wellbeing and future prospects. This pivotal year saw several key events that brought the environment into the public and political consciousness for the first time, and was also the founding year of the IES. Half a century on from the events of 1972, this issue of environmental SCIENTIST looks back at 50 years of environmental science and explores how both the environmental sector and the IES have evolved in this time, as well as looking ahead to the next 50 years.