Join author Benjamin Ross for a brown bag discussion of his new book The Polluters: The Making of Our Chemically Altered Environment Monday, April 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in rooms 370 A and B at Metro Regional Center, 600 NE Grand Ave. in Portland.
The Polluters is a ground-breaking history of the chemical industry and its effects on the environment. According to Ross, today's environmental problems were understood far earlier than most people realize. He contends the chemical industry used its economic and political power to block environmental regulation. Ross says the pollution that irrevocably damages today's environment is the legacy of conscious choices made long ago.
In the years before and just after World War II, discoveries like leaded gasoline and DDT came to market, creating new hazards even as the expansion and mechanization of industry exacerbated old ones. During this time, Ross says research was slanted, unwelcome discoveries were suppressed and friendly experts were placed in positions of influence, as science was subverted to serve the interests of business.
The Polluters reveals the crucial decisions that allowed environmental issues to be trumped by political agendas. Ross' book spotlights the leaders of the chemical industry and describes how they applied their economic and political power to prevent the creation of an effective system of environmental regulation.
Ross' talk at Metro is hosted by the Oregon Environmental Council. OEC will provide dessert and coffee at the discussion. Please register for the talk by April 8. Ross will also be in Portland for an evening reading at Powell’s City of Books on April 11.
For more information, email [email protected]
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The Oregon Environmental Council advances innovative, collaborative solutions to Oregon’s environmental challenges for today and future generations. Its priorities include: protecting kids’ health, from toxic pollution, improving stewardship of Oregon’s rivers, slowing global warming, building a sustainable economy, creating a sustainable food and farm system and strengthening support for effective environmental policy in the Oregon Legislature.