Week 6 ✩ Bibliography

I have chosen to focus on the impact of human activity on nature & wildlife as the central theme of my annotated bibliography. I believe that animals play a crucial role in raising awareness about environmental issues, as many people are particularly empathetic towards what they experience. Despite their empathy, humanity’s actions have a large effect on the natural world, with animals being the most affected due to their dependence on these ecosystems that we destroy. I find this really tragic – we as a society are drawn to animals as we have always been connected to them through our genetic makeup. We have lived alongside them ever since the beginning of humanity, & to see us destroy their only remaining habitat whilst still calling ourselves animal lovers is cruel.

Carson, Rachel. Silent Spring. 1962.

Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring explores the detrimental effects of pesticides on wildlife, ecosystems & human health, with a focus on the widespread use of DDT. She argued that the invention of this specific type of pesticide, as well as all pesticides, disrupted natural ecosystems through bioaccumulation – specifically birds. Silent Spring had a major role in the environmental movement by showcasing the connection between pollution & species endangerment – this led to policy changes & the banning of DDT. She argued that the public was unaware of these dangers as chemical companies suppressed information & promoted the benefits of pesticides. Carson’s work remains crucial for understanding the long-term ecological impacts of human pollution & acts as a warning about the consequences of technological advancement.

(Pictured right) Sketch of sparrows (2024), Natalie Foster.

Meyer, Stephen. The End of the Wild. 2006.

In this book, Meyer presents an analysis on the extinction crisis, focusing on how industrialization & humanity in general have caused irreversible declines in nature. Due to habitat destruction, pollution & climate change, he highlights that “over half of all amphibian species are now endangered”. The book states that since industrialization, the fragility of ecosystems has been exposed massively, that even “the populations of large carnivores have descreased by over 95% since industrialization”. Meyer argues that while efforts to conserve wildlife are essential, they are unlikely to reverse the damage already inflicted by humanity’s impact. Through detailed case studies, Meyer demonstrates the harsh reality that is wildlife endangerment. He urges that adopting sustainable practices in environmental design will halt the speed of these threats against biodiversity.

(Pictured left) Sketch of a frog (2024), Natalie Foster.