• Alexander Nikitin (Russia, 1997) is imprisoned on multiple charges of treason for revealing the potential for a nuclear catastrophe due to Russia’s aging nuclear submarines. He cannot accept his Prize in person.

• Waste Technologies Industries files a $34 million lawsuit against Terri Swearingen (USA, 1997) after she publicly opposed its construction of a large toxic waste incinerator in her hometown. Just two months later, the EPA intervenes by releasing their first-ever federal guidelines for the siting of hazardous waste management facilities.