Possible discussion questions: Week 2
Carson, Silent Spring (Chpts. 1-4, 16-17); Baldwin, "Chemicals and Pests"; Schwartz et al., "The Performance of the Endangered Species Act"; Layzer, "The Nation Tackles Pollution"
Note: these questions are possible areas for discussion in response to the "standard" discussion questions that Prof. Temeles included in his email which are fair game for every reading. ("What was the point the author was trying to make?" "How did the author support his/her point?" "What are the strengths of this reading?" "What are its weaknesses?")
1. What specific passages in Silent Spring drew your attention or stood out in your mind? Pick one passage (1-2 pages) from the book that made a strong impression and be ready to discuss.
2. Contrast Carson with Ehrlich. Do you think their styles were the same or different? Which styles do you think are most effective for influencing public and political outcomes?
3. In chapter 16, Carson presents numerous case studies of pesticides causing resistance in the pests they were meant to control. What is resistance? Does the use of this word mask a deeper concept that needs to be understood by the public and those in government? (Why is this chapter called "The Rumblings of an Avalanche"?)
4. In chapter 17, Carson seems to view chemical solutions as the problem and biological solutions as the answer. Is this always true, and what has time told us? Does Carson show the same ignorance as those she criticizes?
5. What is Baldwin's argument against Carson's book? Does he make any points that you agree with? Could Baldwin have an agenda of his own?
6. How does Carson's book relate to the larger environmental movement brewing around this time, as described in the reading by Layzer? How does that history of environmental regulation compare to what you see around you today in the movement to slow or stop climate change? How do the roles of science and economics in these debates compare?
7. Layer's reading describes the passage of the Clean Air Act and Clean Water act as unanimous. Schwartz et al. mentions that the Endangered Species Act also passed the Senate and the House with overwhelming majorities. Why then, have these pieces of legislation been so difficult to actually implement?
8. What is the logic behind designating priority habitat under the Endangered Species Act? Why is this so controversial?
9. Many of the pollutants Carson mentions are household chemicals. Destruction of endangered species habitat is also something frequently done at the household level. What are the implications of this for regulation of these issues? Do we face similar problems with regulating greenhouse gas emissions?