Realists wanted to make people aware of the costs of industrial growth. Which action was hastened largely because public opinion was aroused by a contemporary novel?
One action that was hastened largely because public opinion was aroused by a contemporary novel is the establishment of environmental protection and conservation regulations.
One example of this is the publication of Rachel Carson's book, "Silent Spring," in 1962. This influential book shed light on the detrimental effects of pesticides, specifically DDT, on the environment and the potential harm it posed to human health. Carson's work captured the attention of the public, raising awareness about the detrimental impacts of industrial growth on the environment and ecosystems.
"Silent Spring" sparked widespread public concern and influenced the growing environmental movement of the 1960s. As public opinion was stirred by the book, people started demanding action to protect the environment. This eventually led to the banning of DDT in the United States, as well as the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passing of significant environmental legislation, such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.
These actions were hastened largely because public opinion was aroused by "Silent Spring" and the realist depiction of the costs of industrial growth on the environment and human well-being.