It has been over 47 years since the world was introduced to Rachel Carson’s book, “Silent Spring.” Carson’s main focus is the detrimental impact that pesticides have had on the environment, animal and plant life. Her book serves as an educational platform that can assist in educating the general public on the use of pesticides. “Silent Spring” has now been translated in over 10 languages throughout the world.
President Kennedy was so impressed with Carson’s scientific writings on DDT that he began an advisory panel which eventually evolved into the Environmental Defense Fund. Because of Carson’s research and writings, DDT was eventually banned from use in the United States.
Sometimes the general public is too trusting of decisions that are made by governmental organizations, which can impact the actual sustainability on our quality or life. It is ironic that the pesticide DDT which was hailed in the killing malaria carrying mosquitoes has actually caused more harm and killed more people than if it had not been used.
Although great strides have been made in science and research, since the publication of “Silent Spring,” many of the same questions are still being raised today in relation to pesticides and environmental pollution.
Writer's block? :-)
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