The Legacy of Rachel Carson

The Legacy of Rachel Carson

Rachel Louise Carson was born May 27, 1907 in Springsdale, Pennsylvania.  She grew up in rural Pennsylvania with an interest in nature and the living world from her mother. After receiving an MA in zoology from John Hopkins University in 1932, she was hired by the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries to write radio scripts during the Depression. She also wrote articles for the Baltimore Sun on the side. She had a 15 year long career as a scientist and editor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Rachel wrote several books and pamphlets about the natural world and its conservation. Throughout all of her writing she emphasized that humans are just one part of nature with the exception that they have the power to alter it. This power should be used carefully because sometimes it can have irreversible damages. The biggest highlight of her career was the publication of the expose Silent Spring in 1962. She wanted to warn the public about the dangerous effects of chemical pesticides on the environment. She challenged the practices of agricultural scientists and the government. She was attacked by the government and the chemical industry, but Rachel refused to back down. She testified before Congress in 1963 for the creation of new policies to protect human health and the environment. Rachel died April 14, 1964 after a long battle with breast cancer, but her legacy still lives on today.

Little Ice Age

Little Ice Age:

London's River Thames, frozen over in 1677

During the period from 1560 to 1850 Western Europe experienced a cooling of the climate that impacted all aspects of society, especially health. Famine was a major cause of death during this time because the cold temperatures affected agricultural production. The weather shortened growing seasons by 1 to 2 months during the coldest parts leading to malnutrition. The height and stature of Europeans was directly correlated with temperature. Average height dropped almost an inch during this period and did not increase until after temperatures rose again. The cool, wet environment led to the emergence of a variety of diseases including one called St. Anthony's Fire. It also aggravated the influenza epidemic and bubonic plague. It took a long time for Europe to build up their population and economy after the devastation of the Little Ice Age.

2011 Japan Earthquake & Tsunami

2011 Japan Earthquake & Tsunami

On March 11, 2011 an 8.9 earthquake struck the northeastern coast of Japan. Less than 30 minutes later 30 feet tall waves began to hit the shore. Homes were destroyed, roads made impassable and thousands of people died instantly. Although the population of Japan was one of the most highly educated about earthquakes and tsunamis, they were unprepared for this intense disaster. Fortunately, some lives were saved by Japan's extensive disaster preparedness and strict construction codes. The quake occurred in a subduction zone, where one of earth's tectonic plates slides under another. The long term effects of this event were extensive and immense. 309 billion dollars of damage was done, and repairs will take years to complete. Another pressing concern was possible radiation leaks from 2 nuclear power plants damaged during the calamity.

Where Have All the Penguins Gone?

Declining Population of Chinstrap Penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula

There have been significant declines in the breeding population of chinstrap penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula due to warming conditions. Researchers traveled to Deception Island where the chinstrap's largest colony is located at Baily Head. They found that there has been at least a 50% decline in population since the 1980's.

Deception Island, Antarctica

Article about Chinstrap Penguin Population