Rachel Carson, author, biologist, and
ecologist, played a pivotal role in the environmental movement. After grabbing
the public’s attention with her book Silent
Spring, published in 1962, Carson brought awareness to the public of the
dangers associated with synthetic pesticides and the damage they can cause to
the environment and ultimately the health of the public. Despite the chemical
industry’s attempts to spitefully slander and discredit her, Carson boldly
expressed her concerns and challenged the practices of agricultural scientists
and the government. Carson insisted new policies be set forth to protect human
health and the environment. Following her death from breast cancer, the
production of DDT was banned and Congress passed the National Environmental
Policy Act, establishing the Environmental Protection Agency.
Both Carson and her
book helped to expose the dangers of pesticide use and draw awareness to an
important environmental issue, sparking one of many beginnings to environmental
change to protect the environment and the public alike.
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