silent spring at 50

Rachel Carson's legacy looms huge. Many people have the impression that climate disruption is the worst environmental problem humanity faces, and indeed, its consequences may be catastrophic. But the spread of toxic chemicals from pole to pole may be the dark horse in the race.

Today, humanity is faced with a series of epidemics in which toxics may be involved: asthma, autism, hormone-related cancers, ADHD, heart disease, autoimmune disease, obesity, Type 2 diabetes and learning disabilities.

Perhaps converting the toxics producers to “green chemistry” could be a permanent step forward. The idea would be to make the basic ingredients of American prosperity less toxic or non-toxic.

Silent Spring is a book written by Rachel Carson and published in 1962 and is credited with launching the modern environmental movement.

Commentary: By Paul R. Ehrlich, Stanford University. As Silent Spring's 50th anniversary nears, what would Rachel Carson be saying now?
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