Silent Spring by Carson, Rachel (Introduction: Gore, Al)First published in 1962, Rachel Carson's scientifically passionate
exposure of the effects of the indiscriminate use of chemicals is still of vital importance. In her vivid and well-informed text she describes how pesticides and
insecticides are applied almost universally to farms, forests, gardens and homes with scant regard to the consequent contamination of our environment and the widespread
destruction of wildlife. She argues that unless we recognize that human beings are only a part of the living world, our progressive poisoning of the planet will end in
catastrophe. 'Silent Spring' remains the classic statement which founded a whole movement and should be read by everyone who is concerned about the future of our world.
As the twentieth century draws to a close, the Worldwatch Institute's research team takes a fresh look at the trends that have put the global economy on a collision course with the Earth's ecosystems. In this millennial edition of its annual State of the World
report, the Institute provides readers with a roadmap to a sustainble economy for the twenty-first century.
In the twentieth century, we have figured out how to travel to the moon, make ever more powerful silicon chips, and transplant human genes. But we ahve not yet been
able to provide clean water to a billion people, slow the loss of thousands of species, or meet our energy needs without destabilizing the atmosphere.
