Who was Rachel Louise Carson?
Q: Who was Rachel Louise Carson?
A: Rachel Louise Carson was an American marine biologist and nature writer. She worked for 15 years as a biologist, scientist and editor in the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries and then the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Q: What books did she write?
A: Rachel Louise Carson wrote Silent Spring, as well as a set of three books about the ocean and what lives in and around it.
Q: What problem did Silent Spring address?
A: Silent Spring addressed problems with DDT and other pesticides (chemicals that kill pests, like mosquitoes and flies). It was thought these pesticides were safe, but they were actually causing many birds to die due to their accumulation in insects and fish which were eaten by birds.
Q: How did this book lead to change?
A: This book led to a change in the national pesticide policy and a ban on DDT and some other pesticides, as well as inspiring the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Q: What award did Rachel Louise Carson receive after her death?
A: After her death, Rachel Louise Carson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Jimmy Carter.
Q: Is there anything named after her?
A: Yes, there is a National Wildlife Refuge in Maine named after her.
