Rachel Carson was an American marine biologist, who after the discovery of the effects of synthetic pesticides on the environment, became a conservationist.. She wrote a book called, Silent Spring which helped advance the worldwide environmental movement. Her book, Silent Spring expressed her feelings and thoughts on the environmental problems, including many problems with synthetic pesticides like DDT. This then influenced a nationwide ban on many pesticides, including DDT. Her book lead to the inspiration of the grassroots movement and the creation of the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. Rachel Carson was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Jimmy Carter.