Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring and the Beginning of the...

Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring and the Beginning of the Environmental Movement in the United States When Rachel Carsons Silent Spring was published in 1962, it generated a storm of controversy over the use of chemical pesticides. Miss Carsons intent in writing Silent Spring was to warn the public of the dangers associated with pesticide use. Throughout her book are numerous case studies documenting the harmful effects that chemical pesticides have had on the environment. Along with these facts, she explains how in many instances the pesticides have done more harm than good in eradicating the pests they were designed to destroy. In addition to her reports on pesticide use, Miss Carson points out that many of the long-term effects that†¦show more content†¦Impact of Silent Spring When excerpts of Silent Spring first began appearing in The New Yorker magazine in June 1962, they caused an uproar and brought a howl of indignation from the chemical industry. Supporters of the pesticide industry argued that her book gave an incomplete picture because it did not say anything about the benefits of using pesticides. An executive of the American Cyanamid Company complained, if man were to faithfully follow the teachings of Miss Carson, we would return to the Dark Ages, and the insects and diseases and vermin would once again inherit the earth. Chemical manufacturers began undertaking a more aggressive public relations campaign to educate the public on the benefits of pesticide use. Monsanto, for example, published and distributed 5,000 copies of a brochure parodying Silent Spring entitled The Desolate Year, which explained how chemical pesticides were largely responsible for the virtual eradication of diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, sleeping sickness, and typh us in the United States and throughout the world, and that without the assistance of pesticides in agricultural production millions around the world would suffer from malnutrition or starve to death (NRDC 1997). One of the main counterarguments to Miss Carsons book expressed by the farmers, scientists, and other supporters of the pesticide industry was that farm yields would be drastically reduced without the assistanceShow MoreRelatedEssay about Biography of Rachel Carson1680 Words   |  7 PagesBiography of Rachel Carson Rachel Carson is considered one of Americas finest science and nature writers. She is best known for her 1962 book, Silent Spring, which is often credited with beginning the environmental movement in the United States. The book focussed on the uncontrolled and often indiscriminate use of pesticides, especially dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (commonly known as DDT), and the irreparable environmental damage caused by these chemicals. The public outcry Carson generatedRead MoreEssay on Fighting for Equal Rights1724 Words   |  7 PagesStanton, and Rachel Carson were four American women who advocated for social change. Their courage, intelligence, strength and leadership made a positive difference in the lives of many people. These women were pioneers in their times. They either helped to found, or lent their voices to, various social movements, policies, and causes that evolved during their lifetimes and proved successful in helping many oppressed people. 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