In 1939, Paul Hermann Müller discovered the insecticidal properties of DDT, a chemical that would revolutionize pest control practices worldwide. Initially used to combat malaria and typhus during World War II, DDT became a staple in agriculture, significantly increasing crop yields. However, its widespread use later raised environmental and health concerns, leading to debates about pesticide regulation and the impact of chemicals on ecosystems.

The discovery of DDT's insecticide properties altered human control over nature and ecosystems, later prompting environmental awareness in poetry addressing chemical legacies, balance, and unintended consequences. Poets like Gary Snyder and Mary Oliver have responded to these themes, advocating for a more harmonious relationship with the natural world.