7. Evolution: It’s Humanly Possible

On a cold Wednesday evening after a presentation on pollution and evolution at Boston’s Arnold Arboretum, I was asked a question I’ve struggled with ever since I began thinking about toxicants and evolution. I’d just rattled off a list of synthetic chemicals that are now part of our chemical environment: plastics, pesticides, flame retardants, PCBs. Usually after a presentation, the discussion revolves around how we can do better: improve toxicity testing, regulation, and management, or rely on green chemistry to create less harmful chemicals. But this time, perhaps making a bit of mischief, an audience member asked, “If we can’t rein in these chemicals, why bother? Why not let nature take its course? You know, survival of the fittest?”