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"Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson |
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1. Overview: This book was introduced to me by my professor Terry from University of Colorado State who has teaching us Environmental Economics. Silent Spring is an environmental science book published on 27 September 1962 and it documented the detrimental effects on the environment of the indiscriminate use of pesticides. The author accused the chemical industry of spreading disinformation and public officials of accepting industry claims unquestioningly.  In the late 1950s, Carson turned her attention to conservation, especially environmental problems that she believed were caused by synthetic pesticides. The result was Silent Spring (1962), which brought environmental concerns to the American public. Silent Spring was met with fierce opposition by chemical companies, but it spurred a reversal in national pesticide policy, led to a nationwide ban on DDT ( a colorless, crystalline, tasteless and almost odorless organochlorine known for its insecticidal properties and environmental impacts) for agricultural uses, and inspired an environmental movement that led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Carson's claims about DDT were heavily criticized by Entomologist J. Gordon Edwards who is documented as eating DDT on camera in attempts to dispel Carson's largely precautionary principle approach to achieve the ban, and also to prove the substances safety to the public. The overriding theme of Silent Spring is the powerful—and often negative—effect humans have on the natural world. Carson's main argument is that pesticides have detrimental effects on the environment she says these are more properly termed "biocides" because their effects are rarely limited to the target pests. Carson also predicts increased consequences in the future, especially since targeted pests may develop resistance to pesticides and weakened ecosystems fall prey to unanticipated invasive species. The book closes with a call for a biotic approach to pest control as an alternative to chemical pesticides. 2. The title "Silent Spring": I would just explain in my own way of thinking, so please make allowances for my shortcomings. Spring is always supposed to be "active" and beautiful, as it is the beginning of the year, and every creature is just full of energy. Yes, life is beautiful. But the spring the author refers to is not like that, because of the very silence. People cannot hear the lovely sound of the birds anymore because they are all dead owing to DDT. 3. Personal thoughts: As far as I know, the author was one of the very first people to pay attention to environmental issues, because not until The Great Smoke of 1952 did the citizens stop treating these matters lightly. When you think of it in a historical context, this was absolutely an achievement. The author spent years for researching before completing the book. It was brave of her to state her points clearly against the majority about DDT, criticizing the disinformation and made everyone care about such an issue, because environmental matters were literally no big deal at that time. The industries just cared about profits, and obviously they never set a goal for balancing between economy development and nature preservation, nor did they become aware of the external cost they would have to pay resulting from their activities. In terms of gender-conflict, it was absolutely admirable of such a woman, and that is also what I like the most when I think about this work. Why? Because she was one of the perfect examples to make people get rid of the idea that only men can do big things. The book would be a good choice if you would like to find out more where the chemical information about this substance comes from. ____________________________________________________ |
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8 Comments
Great book. Thanks
Posted 03-12-2016 06:24
Thanks for sharing, Ahn! 'Silent Spring' is also one of my best environment-related books. Isn't it surprising to know how a book has the power to change the national policy, like banning the nationwide use of DDT? Thanks for reminding me, and have a great day :)
Posted 28-11-2016 12:45
Anh...Thanks for sharing
Posted 25-11-2016 18:32
Oh Yeah this is classic. Thanks for sharing!
Posted 25-11-2016 16:30
Great way you explained the title there Anh:? Thanks for sharing
Posted 23-11-2016 03:19
Thanks for introducing one of the best books I have ever read. Agree with you. It's a must read.
Posted 21-11-2016 21:13
Good to know.
Posted 21-11-2016 15:19
Amazing book!! I loved it!!
Posted 21-11-2016 02:41