Rachel Carson (born May 27, 1907), was a Marine biologist best known for her prophetic book Silent Spring (1962) that brought worldwide awareness of the dangers of environmental pollution, and became a best seller. Rachel Carson developed an interest in nature at a young age, and went on to continue her environmental research. The environmental movement in the 60’s and 70’s was considered a hoax. It was widely perceived as negative and earth’s long- term prospects were considered bleak. Although Carson died before any positive impact resulted from her work on significant environmental issues, her publications are still considered some of the most influential environmental writings ever.
Her first book was inspired by an article in The Atlantic Monthly in 1937 which led to the publishing of her book in 1941- Under the Sea-Wind. This book was praised widely because it was able to combine scientific accuracy and thoroughness in a lyrical prose style. Her second book, The Sea Around Us (1951) became a national best seller and won a National Book Award and was later translated into 30 languages. Her third book, The Edge of the Sea, was published in 1955, after which she became more interested in conservation. Carson also became involved with The Nature Conservancy and other conservation groups. The contributed the rest of her life, to focus on the harmful effects of pesticide overuse. She received a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1980, 16 years after she passed away from battling breast cancer.
Applied Plant Ecology Winter 2020 