Original Description:
Today, protecting our planet and preserving natural resources is an essential part of being a good global citizen. But that wasn’t always the case. In this BrainPOP movie, Tim and Moby explore the life and work of Rachel Carson, a scientist, author, and activist whose book Silent Spring launched the modern environmentalist movement. Carson’s views on the fragility of the natural world were groundbreaking, but it was her talent as a communicator that really put her on the map. Whether writing about the beauty of marine life or the dangers of industrial chemicals, Carson’s words were as engrossing as any novel or film. Silent Spring took aim at a pesticide called DDT. It was used all over the world to disinfect homes and businesses, safeguard crops, and combat malaria. It wasn’t until Carson came along that people started to question its long-term effect on food chains and the overall safety of the chemical. The book raised awareness, but also made Carson the target of corporate smear campaigns. Undaunted, she continued to advocate for environmental protection right up until her death. Her tireless dedication led directly to the founding of the EPA, the passing of landmark legislation, and a more holistic understanding of humanity’s place on our planet.