Upload
randell-brooks
View
263
Download
3
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
WHAT'S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY?
Dr. Wade Worthen
Biology Department
Furman University
sustainability: "a characteristic of a process or state that can be maintained at a certain level indefinitely"
- Wikipedia 2007
sustainability: "a characteristic of a process or state that can be maintained at a certain level indefinitely"
- Wikipedia 2007
Bein’ able to keep doin’ what you been doin’
sustainability: "a characteristic of a process or state that can be maintained at a certain level indefinitely" - Wikipedia 2007
-In an expanding system, there are always more resources – sustainability is easy
- But in finite, bounded systems, resources will decline and limit the rate of the process UNLESS:
- But in finite, bounded systems, resources will decline and limit the rate of the process UNLESS:
- they regenerate fast enough to meet demand
- But in finite, bounded systems, resources will decline and limit the rate of the process UNLESS:
- they regenerate fast enough to meet demand
- efficiency increases so less is needed
- But in finite, bounded systems, resources will decline and limit the rate of the process UNLESS:
- they regenerate fast enough to meet demand
- efficiency increases so less is needed
- another resource is substituted
sustainability: "a characteristic of a process or state that can be maintained at a certain level indefinitely"
- Wikipedia 2007
Human sustainability: "Meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs."
-Brundtland Commission - 1987
WHAT'S NOT SUSTAINABLE IN A FINITE, BOUNDED SYSTEM?
Continuous Growth…
WHAT'S NOT SUSTAINABLE IN A FINITE, BOUNDED SYSTEM?
WHY IS THIS AN ISSUE NOW?
WHY IS THIS AN ISSUE NOW?
(NOW being the last 150 years!!!!
J. MuirT. RooseveltA.LeopoldR. CarsonJ. Cousteau)
our population has been growing by using up resources and then substituting others...
- 1 billion: ...to about 1850
- 1 billion: ...to about 1850
- 2 billion: 1928 (about 78 yrs)
Five Points - Atlanta
- 1 billion: ...to about 1850
- 2 billion: 1928 (about 78 yrs)
- 3 billion: 1960 (about 32 yrs)
- 1 billion: ...to about 1850
- 2 billion: 1928 (about 78 yrs)
- 3 billion: 1960 (about 32 yrs)
- 5 billion: 1987 (about 15 yrs/billion)
Ozone Hole - 2004
- 1 billion: ...to about 1850
- 2 billion: 1928 (about 78 yrs)
- 3 billion: 1960 (about 32 yrs)
- 5 billion: 1987 (about 13 yrs)
- currently 6.78 billion
- adding about 220,000 people a day….today….
- 1 billion: ...to about 1850
- 2 billion: 1928 (about 78 yrs)
- 3 billion: 1960 (about 32 yrs)
- 5 billion: 1987 (about 13 yrs)
- currently 6.78 billion
- adding about 220,000 people a day now
... and 1/2 are living on less than $2/day... so there is already evidence that we are not "sustaining" our population...
"Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell." - Edward Abbey
"Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell." - Edward Abbey
"Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell." - Edward Abbey
"Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell." - Edward Abbey
"Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell." - Edward Abbey
We are realizing that humans have become a planetary force as a consequence of:
I = P x A x T
IMP
AC
T
population
affluence
technology
?
We are realizing that humans have become a planetary force as a consequence of:
I = P x A x T (depends on the technological goal!!)
http://www.ejsd.org/public/journal_article/11
Because of our large population and powerful technologies, we are changing the characteristics of the planet – the only planet – we depend upon for physical and psychological sustenance and inspiration
Human domination of the Earth's ecosystems (Vitousek et al. 1997).
And we realize that …
Walt Kelly – 1970, for the first Earth Day poster
There is nowhere else to go.
There is nowhere else to go.
Really.
There is nowhere else to go. We are stressing our life-support systems.
There is nowhere else to go. We are stressing our life-support systems.
Really.
There is nowhere else to go. We are stressing our life-support systems. We are all in this together.
There is nowhere else to go. We are stressing our life-support systems. We are all in this together.
Really.
ECONOMY
SOCIETY
ENVIRONMENT
Sustainability... "The term, in its current usage, refers to the potential longevity of vital human ecological life-support systems, such as agriculture, industry, forestry, fisheries, urban, and human communities in general."
There is nowhere else to go. We are stressing our life-support systems. We are all in this together.
ECONOMY
SOCIETY
ENVIRONMENT
There is nowhere else to go. We are stressing our life-support systems. We are all in this together.
"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." - John Muir, My First Summer in the Sierra, 1911
TODAY:
- our effects on the natural environment
- why that is important
- why biodiversity is important to sustainability
- what we can do to maintain biodiversity
- why we should appreciate biodiversity
Human Impacts on the Environment:
Human domination of the Earth's ecosystems (Vitousek et al. 1997).
Land transformation:
Forested Land – U. S.
Land transformation:
Mountaintop removal in West Virginia
Humans are a geological force…
National Forest | National Park
Human are affecting 83% of the land surface area of the planet… converting forest to field and field to development
50% of the freshwater:
50% of the freshwater:
The Colorado, like the Nile, Yellow, and Rio Grande, doesn’t reach the ocean for months each year. All the water is diverted.
The Aral Sea, Kazakhstan
50% of the freshwater:
Water diverted for agriculture in 1960; by 2007, Sea had shrunk by 90%
The Aral Sea, Kazakhstan
50% of the freshwater:
- Salinization increased, killing the productive fisheries industry
- Agricultural lands – salt increased 6X
by 1994 the productivity had dropped by 20-50%.
Marine Fisheries:Marine Fisheries:
- Global fish catch is declining by 500,000 metric tons/yr from peak - Global fish catch is declining by 500,000 metric tons/yr from peak in 1987 (Science, 2003). in 1987 (Science, 2003).
- Predatory fish (tuna, salmon) and bottom fish (flounder, sole) - Predatory fish (tuna, salmon) and bottom fish (flounder, sole) have decreased by 90%. have decreased by 90%.
- Farmed fish are fed fish, so that doesn’t relieve the pressure - Farmed fish are fed fish, so that doesn’t relieve the pressure
2009: 387 -
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
Highest in last 160,000 years…. (Entire history of Homo sapiens)
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
All of recent increase in last 200 yrs…
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
Plants can’t absorb it all…
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
1979
2003
2007 – lowest ever
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
(thickness)
- deep sea ice depth decreased from mean of 3.1 meters in 1958 to mean of 1.8 m in 1997
decrease area and depth; loss of 40% of the ICE VOLUME in 40 years (Science 1999).
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
- Calving off the Larsen Ice Shelf in 2002; it’s 50 miles long and as big as Rhode Island…
- Icebergs calving off Ross Shelf – April 2000
(B15 is 4,280 miles2 – about the size of CONNECTICUT….)
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
- Antarctic air temps have risen by 0.5oC/decade for the last 50 years; 10x faster than the global average.
- Even then, air temp change, alone, can’t explain this ice loss.
- The ocean is also warming, melting these shelves from the bottom. As such, given the thermal momentum that exists in the ocean, these shelves will be gone by the end of the century.
Shepherd et al., Science 302: 856-859.
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
Sea level rise
den
sity
0 4Temp oC
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
And we are a coastal species…
- Changes in Plant Growth: Crops if CO2 at 550 ppm
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
-Changes in Plant Growth: Crops if CO2 at 550 ppm
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
And we will grow in just the wrong areas…
Permafrost is defined solely by temperature. Any rock or soil remaining at or below 0°C for two or more years is permafrost. Permafrost can contain 0- 30% ice.
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
And there may be some nasty non-linearities…
14% of the world’s organic carbon is stored in permafrost. As the poles warm (and they are warming faster than anywhere else), this will thaw.
- and when it melts, marshes are created where anaerobic bacteria dominate, breaking the organics into Methane, not CO2… and methane is a worse greenhouse gas…
This is a type of threshold response (not a gradual response), and would involve positive feedback loops…the warmer it gets, the more permafrost melts, and the warmer it gets…
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
And there may be some nasty non-linearities…
tran
sfer
of
carb
on
to
atm
osp
her
e
temp 0C
0
BURP!
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
Things are hotter and drier…
In Western U.S., snow pack has declined dramatically, corresponding to a 30%-60% reduction in stream water.
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
Things are hotter and drier…
In Western U.S., snow pack has declined dramatically, corresponding to a 30%-60% reduction in stream water.
Snowmelt begins much earlier; making spring floods and drier summers. Service, 2004. Science 303:1124-1127.
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
Things are hotter and drier…
In Western U.S., snow pack has declined dramatically, corresponding to a 30%-60% reduction in stream water.
Snowmelt begins much earlier; making spring floods and drier summers. Service, 2004. Science 303:1124-1127.
And what might you expect as the land gets hotter and drier??
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
Things will get hotter and drier…
Increase in fire frequency and size over the last 10 years…$3 billion to fight fires in the west, 2X amount ten years ago
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
And this will affect other organisms…
-Changes in Reef Communities:
“Almost 15% of the world's reefs are already beyond repair thanks to global warming. Another 30% may be lost over the next 30 years.”
– (Nature, February 2004)
- Reefs are home to 25% of all marine species
- Reefs are nursery areas for the larvae and fry of commercially important fish and crustacean species
- Reefs are important storm breaks for tropical coasts
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
And this will affect other organisms…
-Change in Ocean Food Webs:
- Phytoplankton have shifted northward in Atlantic with warming of surface waters.
-They provide ½ global NPP
-They are critical to food webs
-Shift north may affect zooplankton and perhaps major fisheries.
Richardson and Schoeman, 2004, Science 305:1609-1612
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
And this will affect other organisms…
- Adding CO2 to atmosphere creates carbonic acid in water
- Acidification of sea water reduces calcium carbonate production by marine organisms (coccolithophores, corals, molluscs.)
Orr, et al., 2005. Nature. 437:681-686.
15-37% of terrestrial species may go extinct in the next 50 years, largely because of global warming. (Thomas et al. 2004)
A 3oC temp rise will wipe out 80% of alpine islands, and extinguish 1/3 to ½ of 613 known alpine plants.
As treelines rise and alpine tundra declines, so do animals like marmots and pika.
Krajick, K. 2004. Science 303:1600-1602
A
B
C
A
B
C
We are affecting the climate of the planet:
And this will affect other organisms…
Our growth, in our bounded system, is at the cost of other species
• 40% of primary productivity (E)
Iowa - arrow pointing to forest fragment
Our growth, in our bounded system, is at the cost of other species
• 40% of primary productivity (E)
Massive extinction should be no surprise
TODAY:
- our effects on the planetary environment
- why that is important
- why biodiversity is important to sustainability
- what we can do to maintain biodiversity
- why we should appreciate biodiversity
What do we want for the future?What do we want for the future?
- - - - - - - -
What do we want for the future?What do we want for the future?
- - - - - - - -
What do we want for the future?What do we want for the future?
- - - - - - - -
“I want world peace…”
What do we want for the future?What do we want for the future?
- World Peace- World Peace - - - - - -
What do we want for the future?What do we want for the future?
- World Peace- World Peace - - - - - - “Democracy is the
government of the people, by the people, for
the people…”
What do we want for the future?What do we want for the future?
- World Peace- World Peace - stable, moral governments - stable, moral governments - - - -
What do we want for the future?What do we want for the future?
- World Peace- World Peace - stable, moral governments - stable, moral governments - - - -
Woo-hoo!!
What do we want for the future?What do we want for the future?
- World Peace- World Peace - stable, moral governments - stable, moral governments - stable, productive economies - stable, productive economies - -
What do we want for the future?What do we want for the future?
- World Peace- World Peace - stable, moral governments - stable, moral governments - stable, productive economies - stable, productive economies - -
What do we want for the future?What do we want for the future?
- World Peace- World Peace - stable, moral governments - stable, moral governments - stable, productive economies - stable, productive economies - stable, productive food supplies - stable, productive food supplies
How can we get there?How can we get there?
- A stable, productive food supply- A stable, productive food supply Stable, productive economies Stable, productive economies Stable, productive, moral governments Stable, productive, moral governments
Peace and happiness for our children Peace and happiness for our children
How can we get there?How can we get there?
stable food supplystable food supply
productive economiesproductive economies
Happy peopleHappy peoplestable, moral governmentsstable, moral governments To achieve ONE goal, we must achieve ALL goals...To achieve ONE goal, we must achieve ALL goals...
Wouldn’t it be nice?Wouldn’t it be nice?
I want environmental, economic, and social
sustainability to achieve world peace!
It won’t be easy…..
ECONOMY
SOCIETY
ENVIRONMENTRemember why?
For example…
“Save the Amazon rainforest!!!!”
How does Brazil get out from under it's huge international debt?
What to do with the unemployed and urban poor? (22% live on less than $2)
Unemployment
Solution - offer them land to settle in the Amazon
but there is rampant exploitation - relocate poor to servitude of others
These are incredibly TOUGH, COMPLEX problems....
but they won't just go away if we ignore them...
TODAY:
- our effects on the planetary environment
- why that is important
- why biodiversity is important to sustainability
- what we can do to maintain biodiversity
- why we should appreciate biodiversity
Why is biodiversity important?
The earth is truly a living planet; life changes the conditions of the earth.
Releases oxygen to the atmosphereTransfers carbon to the lithosphere
Atmosphere
Hydro/Lithosphere
Biosphere
Why is biodiversity important?
The earth is truly a living planet; life changes the conditions of the earth.
Releases oxygen to the atmosphereTransfers carbon to the lithosphere
Atmosphere
Hydro/Lithosphere
Biosphere Life:• Cleans our water• Makes our food• Cleans our air
LIFE is composed of lots of living things = biodiversity
Diversity is the number and relative abundance of species in a habitat
We have named approximately 1.5 million species…
There may be as many as 10-30 million more…
Many habitats, like tall forest canopies and the deep sea have not been well sampled…
The diversity of life is truly staggering…
And we are learning that diversity improves ecosystem function
Why is ecosystem function important?
Why is ecosystem function important?
Estimates of various Ecosystem Services - $U.S. billionsEcosystem services
Value(trillion $US)
Soil formation 17.1Recreation 3.0Nutrient cycling 2.3Water regulation and supply 2.3Climate regulation (temperature and precipitation)
1.8
Habitat 1.4Flood and storm protection 1.1Food and raw materials production 0.8Genetic resources 0.8Atmospheric gas balance 0.7Pollination 0.4All other services 1.6Total value of ecosystem services 33.3Source: Adapted from R. Costanza et al., “The Value of the World’s Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital,” Nature, Vol. 387 (1997), p. 256, Table 2. TOTAL GLOBAL GNP (1997) = 18 trillion.
Productivity is the energy that an organism absorbs and stores as tissue – as biomass/growth. (And not the energy that the organism spends to move or keep their cells alive…).
So, for humans, ecosystem productivity is food.
Biodiversity INCREASES productivity
Biodiversity INCREASES productivity
- Sampling Effects
More diverse communities are more likely to contain the most productive species, and thus raise the total productivity.
Biodiversity INCREASES productivity
- Sampling Effects
- Niche Complementarity
More diverse communities are more likely to contain different types of species that use different types of energy... thus more efficiently harvesting all the available energy and converting it to productivity.
Monoculture
They all need the same things at the same concentrations; they compete.
Monoculture Polyculture
Combinations of different plants can be planted at higher density, and they use different "niches" and coexist. Even if abundance of "most productive" species drops, this loss can be offset.
They all need the same things at the same concentrations; they compete.
Biodiversity INCREASES productivity
- Sampling Effects
- Niche Complementarity
- Positive Effects
Some species have beneficial effects on others, and so their presence promotes diversity and productivity.
Monoculture Polyculture
Nitrogen fixing legumes (beans) nutrify the soil, increasing the growth of other plants. And you have beans!
without beans
with beansThey all need the same things
at the same concentrations; they compete.
Diversity and Productivity in a Long-Term Grassland Experiment Tilman, et al. 2001. Science 294. 843 - 845Dotted line is biomass in a monoculture of the most productive species. Higher productivity than this, at higher richness values, means niche complementarity or positive effects must be occurring.
Diversity INCREASES productivity
Diversity can increase stability
Diversity INCREASES productivity
Diversity can increase stability
Types of stability:
resistance to change
Diversity INCREASES productivity
Diversity can increase stability
Types of stability:
resistance to change
resilience after change
Diversity INCREASES productivity
Diversity can increase stability
Types of stability:
resistance to change
resilience after change
Diverse communities are less susceptible to one particular disturbance (like one species of pest, or fire, or flood), because multiple species are unlikely to be sensitive to the same thing.
Example 1: Bird “Flu”
People can get a virus (West Nile Virus), carried by mosquitoes, from birds…
Example 1: Bird “Flu”
People can get a virus (West Nile Virus), carried by mosquitoes, from birds…
SOME birds are good reservoirs… Crows, Blue Jays, Sparrows, and Robins
Example 1: Bird “Flu”
So people in communities with low bird diversity, dominated by these species, have high rates of Bird Flu!
( because mosquitoes are likely to hit an infected bird and transmit to humans)
Example 1: Bird “Flu”
People in communities with high bird diversity means a lower percentage of these species, and mosquitoes are less likely to hit them and get infected because there are OTHER species to feed on! Fewer sick people!
Example 2: Rainforest
Diverse communities may be resilient unless completely removed….
Decomposition rapid
Absorption rapid
Volatiles released
Stimulate condensation and precipitation
Rainforests feed themselves and water themselves.
Example 2: Rainforests
CUT FOREST DOWN
REDUCE RAINFALL... REDUCE NUTRIENTS
INCREASE FIRE
Select for fire-adapted grasses.... rainforest may not come back....
RAINFOREST
(wet, few fires)
GRASSLAND
(dry, many fires)
"Multiple Stable States"
We are dependent on the environment for food and resources. Ideally, we would like a STABLE, PRODUCTIVE supply of these resources.... right??
FEAST
FAMINE
(We don't want "boom and bust", "feast and famine" scenarios....)
FEAST
FAMINE
We are dependent on the environment for food and resources. Ideally, we would like a STABLE, PRODUCTIVE supply of these resources.... right??
(We don't want "boom and bust", "feast and famine" scenarios....)
STABILITY
PRODUCTIVITY?
We are dependent on the environment for food and resources. Ideally, we would like a STABLE, PRODUCTIVE supply of these resources.... right??
(We don't want "boom and bust", "feast and famine" scenarios....)
STABILITY
PRODUCTIVITYDIVERSITY…riiight… : )
TODAY:
- our effects on the natural environment
- why that is important
- why biodiversity is important to sustainability
- what we can do to maintain biodiversity?
- why should we appreciate biodiversity?
So, how do we preserve biodiversity?
- Larger areas have more species than small areas
PLANTS
HERBIVORES
CARNIVORES
LARGE AREA OF HABITAT
Area Effects
So, how do we preserve biodiversity?
- Larger areas have more species than small areas
HABITAT FRAGMENTATION
So, how do we preserve biodiversity?
- Larger areas have more species than small areas
HABITAT FRAGMENTATION
Carnivores can’t be supported; competition reduces diversity among herbivores, plants overgrazed.
So, how do we preserve biodiversity?
- Larger areas have more species than small areas
So, how do we preserve biodiversity?
- Larger areas have more species than small areas
- Larger areas lose fewer species over time
So, how do we preserve biodiversity?
- Larger areas have more species than small areas
- Larger areas lose fewer species over time
- Larger areas are less susceptible to disturbance
So, how do we preserve biodiversity?
- Larger areas have more species than small areas
- Larger areas lose fewer species over time
- Larger areas are less susceptible to disturbance
- Larger areas recover more rapidly after disturbance
So, how do we preserve biodiversity?
- Larger areas have more species than small areas
- Larger areas lose fewer species over time
- Larger areas are less susceptible to disturbance
- Larger areas recover more rapidly after disturbance
- How large is large?
Bigger than these……
We need to rethink our model of community…
Development
nature
nature
Development
Development
Development
And we need to care…
TODAY:
- our effects on the natural environment
- why that is important
- why biodiversity is important to sustainability
- what we can do to maintain biodiversity?
- why should we appreciate biodiversity?
nature is important to each person, even at an unconscious level.
E. O. Wilson (1984) defined biophilia as “an innate tendency of humans to focus on life and lifelike processes…
Biophilia:
We are interested in living things…
Biophilia:
There is an adaptive benefit to this interest that has been selected for over hominid evolution…
Biophilia:
This relationship influences how we learn …
Biophilia:
And who we are…
Consider that the human mind and its products have not arisen in a vacuum.
Consider that the human mind and its products have not arisen in a vacuum.
Nature evolution
5.0 mya
1.75 mya
tools art
0.2 mya
burial
75,000
Understanding Human Evolution. 1999. Poirier and McKee
agriculture
10,000
…to
chimps
99.6% before art
“Pre-cultural Baggage”
As such, our interaction with art, society, and nature may have a biologically interesting contribution.
(NOT single factor biological determinism, please!)
Let’s examine the evidence for Biophilia in our endeavors:
Humanities
Social Sciences
Natural Sciences
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Language
A ‘first alphabet’ book…..
‘A’ is for _____________.
‘B’ is for _____________.
‘C’ is for _____________.
‘D’ is for _____________.
‘E’ is for _____________.
‘F’ is for _____________.
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Language
A ‘first alphabet’ book…..
‘A’ is for _____________.
- antidisestablishmentarianism?
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Language
A ‘first alphabet’ book…..
‘A’ is for _____________.
- antidisestablishmentarianism?
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Language
A ‘first alphabet’ book…..
‘A’ is for _____________.
- antidisestablishmentarianism?
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Language
A ‘first alphabet’ book…..
‘B’ is for _____________.
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Language
A ‘first alphabet’ book…..
‘B’ is for _____________.
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Language
A ‘first alphabet’ book…..
‘C’ is for _____________.
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Language
A ‘first alphabet’ book…..
‘C’ is for _____________.
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Language
A ‘first alphabet’ book…..
‘D’ is for _____________.
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Language
A ‘first alphabet’ book…..
‘D’ is for _____________.
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Language
A ‘first alphabet’ book…..
‘E’ is for _____________.
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Language
A ‘first alphabet’ book…..
‘E’ is for _____________.
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Language
A ‘first alphabet’ book…..
‘F’ is for _____________.
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Language
A ‘first alphabet’ book…..
‘F’ is for _____________.
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Language
Adjectives and similes…..
Sly as _________
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Language
Adjectives and similes…..
Sly as _________ an Enron executive?
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Language
Adjectives and similes…..
Sly as _________
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Language
Adjectives and similes…..
busy as __________?
Strong as ________ ?
Weak as _________ ?
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities – Language
Verbs:
To ‘cow’ To ‘quail’
To ‘clam up’ To ‘weasel’
To ‘outfox’ To ‘hound’
To ‘hog’ To ‘grouse’
To ‘fawn’ To ‘buffalo’
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities – Language
Summary –
“Human intelligence is bound to the presence of animals. They are the means by which cognition takes shape and they are the instruments for imagining abstract ideas and qualities…they are basic to the development of speech and thought.”
-Shepard 1978
Trivial examples or basic, fundamental examples?
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Art
-Language and the arts are dependent on natural imagery to evoke a particular emotion…..
Autumn Landscape at Dusk – Vincent Van Gogh
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Religion
Animals are central to the myths that give our lives meaning and our culture context.
In particular, the serpent figures
prominently as an icon of power,
knowledge, life, and death.
Egyptians – the Earth as an
Egg, grasped by a serpent
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Religion
Middle East – Judaism – Eve and the serpent
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Religion
Greeks – Gaia (Earth) was protected by her son, Python, who lived at the center of the world and held it together
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Religion
Australian aboriginal culture – the rainbow serpent – art dates from 6000 years ago
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Religion
Norse –dragons and Jormungand, the world serpent – (an ouroborus).
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities - Religion
Aztecs – Quetzalcoatl, the ‘bird-serpent’ or “feathered serpent”
Evidence for Biophilia in the Humanities –
Summary
"Animals are far more fundamental to our thinking than we supposed. They are not just a part of the
fabric of thought: they are a part of the loom." (Peter Steinhart, 1989).
(Native American ouroboric image)
Navajo Dance
Silver tip fox cape with foot clasp
Evidence for Biophilia in the Social Sciences - Sociology
Animals are our cultural icons, we use them for tribal affiliation, both trivial….
NFL Football Team Mascots:
Cardinals Falcons Ravens Bills Panthers
Bears Bengals Broncos Lions
Colts Jaguars DolphinsEagles Seahawks
Rams
15 of 32 teams (not that it helps….)
Evidence for Biophilia in the Social Sciences - Sociology
And significant…
Evidence for Biophilia in the Social Sciences - Psychology
- phobias are usually related to natural cues: (snakes, spiders, water, closed spaces, heights)
(and other primates that encounter snakes are ophidophobes)
Evidence for Biophilia in the Social Sciences - Psychology
- even though cultures have produced more deadly risks
Evidence for Biophilia in the Social Sciences - Psychology
-habitat selection – humans with the resources build homes on promontories near water, with a view
The Vanderbilt Estate, “The Breakers”, Newport, RI
Evidence for Biophilia in the Social Sciences - Psychology
Societies construct gardens, parks, and green spaces in urban environments – like Central Park, NYC.
Evidence for Biophilia in the Social Sciences - Psychology
We need nature, and we take it with us into man-made environments; it is a part of what we are, and it has shaped who we are and how we identify ourselves, individually and collectively.
Rooftop Garden, Tokyo Tokyo
Evidence of Biophilia in the Natural Sciences - Physiology
- contact with people helps development and healing
- contact with animals helps stress and healing, and gives us someone who depends upon us.
Evidence of Biophilia in the Natural Sciences - Physiology
- vistas - people with a natural view are less stressed and are more productive.
- inner city children with a view of a park are able to concentrate in school and are better learners.
What are the ramifications of biophilia?
Humans need nature as a reference to completely express our humanity. It is at once the “other” and the “self”.
To lose it, or to simplify it, will profoundly affect what and who we are.
“It is interesting to contemplate an entangled bank, clothed with many plants of many kinds…
“with birds singing on the bushes, with various insects flitting about, and with worms crawling through the damp earth…
“and to reflect that these elaborately constructed forms, so different from each other, and dependent on each other in so complex a manner….
“have all been produced by laws acting around us…There is grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having been originally breathed into a few forms or one….
“and that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.”Charles Darwin, 1859, “The Origin of Species”
If we recognize the grandeur, we might appreciate it…
If we appreciate it, we might value it…
If we value it, we might sustain it…
If we sustain it, we might be able to sustain our societies and economies, as well.
ECONOMY
SOCIETY
ENVIRONMENT
If we don’t, we won’t…