E.O. Wilson: On Rachel Carson

Rachel Carson, the grandmother of the environmental movement whose "Silent Spring" woke up the world to the dangers of indiscriminate use of pesticides, would have turned 100 this weekend. News Editor Dan Shapley asked E.O. Wilson, who is perhaps the only biologist with a rock-star following, to discuss her legacy via e-mail. Wilson authored an essay on the impact of "Silent Spring" in the recently published "Courage for the Earth: Writers, Scientists, And Activists Celebrate the Life of Rachel Carson (Houghton Mifflin). This is the second part of a two-part interview. For the first part, click here. TDG: Climate change seems to have captured the public consciousness in a new way of late. What environmental issues today remain under the radar, despite their importance? EOW: Oddly, the conservation of biodiversity hasn't caught on like other issues, despite its enormous importance for the long term. We need to work hard to change that. TDG: Continuing to think about those people whose clear and compelling statements can raise an issue in the public consciousness, whose voices should we pay close attention to on that or other important issues of the day? In other words, are there people that you look to for inspiration and direction? EOW: There are a lot of scientists, too many to name, but a scarcity of political and religious leaders. Among the latter, I believe that Richard Cizik of National Association of Evangelicals deserves special mention. TDG: Finally, tell me what projects or issues occupy your time these days, and if we'll get to read another book by you soon. EOW: One on island biogeography, which is very environmentally relevant, and one or two on ants (what else?).