The Obligation to Endure-Rachel Carson

http://environmentandpollution.blogspot.com
/2010/02/environmental-pollution-perils-of.html

"The most alarming of all man's assaults upon the environment is the contamination of the air, earth, rivers, and sea with dangerous and lethal materials." (Carson 153)

 

This is one of the first quotes Carson opens up the passage with. I felt that Carson’s argument was similar to Shiva’s, in which they emphasize the importance of biodiversity. In this quote, Carson illustrates how we have neglected to take care of our environment. We have brought this issue onto ourselves, and have destroyed our environment in various ways. Consequently, the damage is irreversible. Now that we are aware of the damage we’ve done, we need to take action in restoring what we can, and preserving whatever is not damaged.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesticide

"...500 new chemicals to which the bodies of men and animals are required to somehow adapt each year, chemicals totally outside the limits of biological experiences (Carson, 155)." 

 

When I first read this quote, I could not help but think how scary this really is. Pesticides, and other chemicals we use on an everyday basis are still fairly new. We do not know exactly the side effects it can have on us, nor the overall consequences of using them. It is no wonder why species such as the bee, are declining in population. I am not even completely sure how we have been able to live while being introduced to foreign chemicals, pesticides, etc.

http://www.scenicreflections.com/media/
375066/protect_the_Earth_Wallpaper/

"Along with the possibility of the extinction of mankind by nuclear war, the central problem of our age has therefore become the contamination of man's total environment with such substances of incredible potential for harm-- substance that accumulate in the tissue of plants and animals and even penetrate the germ cell to shatter or alter the very material of heredity upon which the shape of the future depends (Carson, 155-156)"

 

 

Overall, we are not only just hurting ourselves, we are also hurting the environment. This quote really just shows how negligent we are. Because of our actions, we are putting our future on the line. This quote stood out to me because I really liked how Carson illustrated the damage that is not only done right now, but the effect it plays in the future in the long run. If we continue down this path, our future is at risk. It is up to us to stand up and make a difference.

 

"This is an era of specialists, each of whom sees his own problem and is unaware of or intolerant of the larger frame into which it fits" (Carson 160)

 

 

I think that this is the main problem we are seeing today. Everyone is mainly concerned or worried about themselves, and not looking at what bigger issues are out there, which is the damage we have done and continue doing to our environment. We all have to come to a compromise, and stop thinking about ourselves for one moment. Like Shiva stated in her reading, biodiversity is the key to life. The more aware we are on where we stand, the better prepared we are. The future of the environment depends on us.