Women's Summit at Bryant College - March 2001
"Odyssey 2001: Journey to Success"
Presentation 1: Gaytha A. Langlois, Ph.D., Professor of Environmental Studies
Site Map
Case Studies of Women Environmental Leaders -
What Can We Learn?
Rachel Carson - Inspiration for a Generation of Environmental Leaders
Who was Rachel Carson?
Marine Biologist, Author, Outspoken Advocate for the Environment
Worked for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service from 1935-1952
Recognized that "no one else seemed to be in sight to take on the job
of alerting the public to the dangers of pesticides"
Wrote Silent Spring, published in 1962 - changed the thinking of a nation
Challenged the agricultural scientists and government
Called for a change in the way humankind viewed the natural world
Her actions caused a major shift in public consciousness about the environment
Showed the world that chemicals could not conquer nature without objection
Was attacked by the chemical industry and the government
Labeled as "a subversive hostile to the spirit of free enterprise"
Testified before Congress in 1963, calling for new policies to protect human health
Born on May 27, 1907
Died from breast cancer on April 14, 1964, at the age of 56
Her commitment to protect the beauty and integrity of life contines to inspire
Inspired the creation of the Environmental Defense Fund
Photo by Katie Schneider
Lois Gibbs - A Mother Who Wouldn't Hide From the Truth!
Who is Lois Gibbs?
Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Health, Environment and Justice
(assists more than 8,000 local groups throughout the U.S.)
Native of Niagara Falls, NY
In 1978, discovered that her child's school was built on top of a toxic waste site
(20,000 tons of toxic chemicals placed there by Hooker Chemical Co.)
Gibbs formed the Love Canal Homeowners Association
Organized a fight against Occidential Petroleum & local, state and federal government
After a 3-year struggle, finally persuaded President Jimmy Carter to act
Her persistence resulted in an Emergency Declaration for relocation of homeowners
(900 families)
Congress passed the Superfund (CERCLA) law in 1980
Gibbs continues to play a critical role in the Environmental Justice initiative
An inspiration and model for all citizen activists dedicated to protecting their community
Active in many Environmental Leadership Training Programs
Lois Gibbs - Still inspiring environmental activists today!
Other
Environmental Leaders Who Came Forward When Needed
Dollie B. Burwell,
Warren County Environmental Justice Movement (North Carolina)
Juana Beatrice
Gutierrez, Mothers of East Los Angeles
Grace Thorpe, National
Conference of American Indians' Nuclear Waste Forum
What
Can We Learn From These Leaders?
You may be only
one who is there to speak out - the job is yours!
Sieze the opportunity!
The knowledge and
skills you need may be right in front of you!
You will find the
courage to do what needs to be done!
Ask anyone and
everyone to help with the challenge!
Your activism will
change your life!
You may not even
guess the impact that you will have!