MNN - Mother Nature Network

Feb. 9, 1971: The Los Angeles morning rush hour starts with a jolt as a 6.6 magnitude earthquake collapses buildings and freeway overpasses. The Sylmar quake claims 65 lives and causes a half billion dollars in property damage.

 

Feb. 9, 1989: Three weeks after taking office, U.S. President George H.W. Bush calls for "a new attitude about the environment." He also calls for increasing offshore oil and gas drilling, and development of "clean coal."

 

Feb. 9, 2009: What are called the worst wildfires in Australia's history continue to spread (at right), with an eventual death toll of over 200.

 

Feb. 9, 2012:  Despite their prior friendship, real estate tycoon/reality TV star Donald Trump launches a verbal assault on Alex Salmond, chief executive of the Scottish government.  The Donald accused the First Minister of trying to “destroy Scotland” with offshore wind farms.  The windfarm that has mussed the Donald’s hair happens to be within site of a massive golf course develop he’s plowing into the Scottish heather.