SILENT SPRING

1962

• Began as aquatic biologist

• Although Silent Spring was met with fierce opposition by chemical companies, it spurred a reversal in national pesticide policy, which led to a nationwide ban on DDT and other pesticides. It also inspired a grassroots environmental movement that led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.[3] Carson was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter.

• The book was published on September 27, 1962, documenting the adverse environmental effects caused by the indiscriminate use of pesticides. Carson accused the chemical industry of spreading disinformation, and public officials of accepting the industry's marketing claims unquestioningly.

• Two different sources both used this phrase to describe the reaction to silent spring: "The book [or "Silent Spring"] was met with fierce opposition by chemical companies"

• The release of Silent Spring triggered the green movement

• The years following the controversy over Silent Spring saw the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passing of numerous laws protecting the environment and human health, including a ban on domestic use of DDT in 1972 due to its widespread overuse and harmful impact on the environment.

• “Several generations have grown up embracing Carson’s ideals of ecological awareness, environmental protection, and conservation.”