We can learn a lot from natural systems. Human systems such as the
economy (eco-nomy) are much like their natural systems
counterparts...ie, the ecosystem (eco-system). Here's one example how
someone figured out the connection:
The deserts are also too big to exploit. I read recently that deserts are seen as "inert" by the traditional energy and waste management industries. Utah and Nevada have vast expanses of "inert space". I must admit that you can drive through a desert and see little life. A few cacti. Maybe a vulture. But looks are deceiving. Unless we slow down and use additional tools to augment our limited vision, hearing and smell...we miss the intricacies of natural systems. And just because we can't see it...doesn't mean it doesn't exist -- or that it isn't important!
The earth (and the universe) have run efficiently for the ages based on complex natural systems. We tamper with them...we lose redundancy and communities of mutually supportive relationships. No where is that more visible and within human experience than in a forest. We can see the systems of plant communities, decay and fertility, moisture and seasons, habitat and fresh water systems...and on and on.
Take a busy executive on a nature adventure. The impact will be a gut level connection to their roots...and survival senses. That is the best form of learning. It's something both of you can enjoy. Do you have a relative or friend who has been spending way too much time indoors?
Make it your mission to reconnect them with the wonder of the woods! Even if it takes spending a weekend or vacation with them several times before they reconnect. You'll both enjoy the learning experience and you don't have to preach. Nature will do it for you.
"Listening to the commentaries on financial institutions that are too big to be allowed to fail and the frantic efforts to preserve the status quo reminded me of a century of national forest mismanagement. Fires were vigorously suppressed, resulting in a build-up of fuel until there came an uncontrollable inferno. Will the same thing happen to our financial systems? Should we break up enormous institutions and permit small fires to periodically clear away the deadwood? I'm not sure how this would be accomplished at this late date with so much fuel on the forest floor, but I can tell you that the longer we wait and prop up failing systems, the worse the conflagration will be." Marketplace.publicradio.orgThe rainforests are certainly one of the natural systems that we identified as "too big to be allowed to fail" in nature. But we're letting them fail anyway. And the fresh water system of aquifers, lakes, streams and even the ocean are too big to let fail. But?
The deserts are also too big to exploit. I read recently that deserts are seen as "inert" by the traditional energy and waste management industries. Utah and Nevada have vast expanses of "inert space". I must admit that you can drive through a desert and see little life. A few cacti. Maybe a vulture. But looks are deceiving. Unless we slow down and use additional tools to augment our limited vision, hearing and smell...we miss the intricacies of natural systems. And just because we can't see it...doesn't mean it doesn't exist -- or that it isn't important!
The earth (and the universe) have run efficiently for the ages based on complex natural systems. We tamper with them...we lose redundancy and communities of mutually supportive relationships. No where is that more visible and within human experience than in a forest. We can see the systems of plant communities, decay and fertility, moisture and seasons, habitat and fresh water systems...and on and on.
Take a busy executive on a nature adventure. The impact will be a gut level connection to their roots...and survival senses. That is the best form of learning. It's something both of you can enjoy. Do you have a relative or friend who has been spending way too much time indoors?
Make it your mission to reconnect them with the wonder of the woods! Even if it takes spending a weekend or vacation with them several times before they reconnect. You'll both enjoy the learning experience and you don't have to preach. Nature will do it for you.
Leave a comment