The Environmental Movement Is Born – Rachel Carson and Silent Spring

Abstract

After World War Two, many thought that it was possible for humanity to dominate, exploit and subdue nature without any negative consequence. Huge quantities of chemical pesticides were deployed without considering adverse side effects. American ecologist and writer Rachel Carson was among the first to warn of the dangers of the indiscriminate use of chemicals. Her book ‘Silent Spring’ is among the most influential books of the twentieth century. It inspired a huge number of environmentalists. Environmental awareness increased rapidly, and citizens started to demonstrate against the destruction of the living world. The book changed the way we think about human interventions into nature. The modern environmental movement was born not least because of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring.