Episode 224: Corporate Self-Regulation and the Fine Art of 'Preempting" Public Outrage

Bury the Chains chronicles the late 18th- and early 19th-century anti-slavery movement in the British Empire, highlighting key figures like Thomas Clarkson and William Wilberforce. The book explores the campaign's tactics and setbacks, ultimately leading to the abolition of slavery in 1838. It also draws parallels with modern social justice movements, showcasing the pioneering methods used by the abolitionists.

Published in 1962, 'Silent Spring' by Rachel Carson is a seminal work in environmental science. The book documents the harmful effects of DDT and other pesticides on the environment, including their impact on bird populations, other wildlife, and human health. Carson argued that these substances should be called 'biocides' due to their broad impact on ecosystems. The book was serialized in 'The New Yorker' before its full publication and generated significant public and scientific debate. It led to a reversal in U.S. pesticide policy, the banning of DDT for agricultural use in 1972, and the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1970. Carson's work challenged the prevailing attitudes towards scientific progress and human control over nature, advocating for responsible and careful use of pesticides and highlighting the need for environmental stewardship.