The Legacy

1. Humanity has become a force of nature, altering Earth's systems

We have become a force of nature, a superspecies; and it has happened suddenly, with explosive speed.

Unprecedented impact. In a mere instant of cosmic time, humanity has dramatically altered the biological, chemical, and physical properties of the planet. Our exploding population, vast technological power, and global economy have led to:

• Massive deforestation and habitat destruction
• Climate change from greenhouse gas emissions
• Ocean acidification and creation of "dead zones"
• Pollution of air, water, and soil
• Rapid loss of biodiversity, with thousands of species going extinct yearly

Unintended consequences. Our knowledge of how natural systems work is still primitive, leading to unanticipated side effects from new technologies. Examples include:

• DDT's impact on bird populations and human health
• Radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons testing
• Ozone depletion from CFCs

2. Our economic system ignores crucial ecosystem services

We denigrate soil as "dirt," but it is a living community of organisms.

Nature's priceless services. Conventional economics treats the services provided by ecosystems as externalities, ignoring their crucial role in maintaining the conditions necessary for life. These services include:

• Forests: regulating climate, preventing erosion, providing habitat
• Soil: supporting vast biodiversity, filtering water, storing carbon
• Oceans: regulating temperature, absorbing CO2, providing food

False measures of progress. Our obsession with economic growth as the primary measure of success fails to account for the depletion of natural capital and ecosystem degradation. This narrow focus leads to short-sighted decisions that prioritize immediate economic gains over long-term sustainability.

3. Traditional knowledge offers insights for sustainable living

These communities are the repositories of vast accumulations of traditional knowledge and experience that links humanity with its ancient origins.

Indigenous wisdom. Many indigenous cultures have developed sophisticated knowledge systems for sustainably managing complex ecosystems over thousands of years. This includes:

• Agroforestry practices in tropical forests
• Traditional fishing and hunting methods that maintain species populations
• Land management techniques that enhance biodiversity

Shifting baselines. As ecosystems degrade, each generation accepts a new, diminished state as normal, losing perspective on past abundance. Elders and traditional knowledge holders serve as crucial links to understanding historical ecological conditions and sustainable practices.

4. We are deeply interconnected with nature and all life

We are air, and whatever we do to air, we do to ourselves.

Elemental connection. Humans are intimately linked with the fundamental elements of nature:

• Air: We constantly exchange molecules with the atmosphere
• Water: Our bodies are 60% water, constantly cycling through the hydrosphere
• Earth: The food we eat comes from and returns to the soil
• Fire: All our energy ultimately comes from the sun via photosynthesis

Genetic kinship. The Human Genome Project revealed that we share 99% of our genes with great apes and have significant genetic overlap with all life forms. This biological reality underscores our deep interconnectedness with the web of life.

5. Redefining progress: GDP fails to measure true well-being

The GDP counts air pollution and cigarette advertising, and ambulances to clear our highways of carnage... Yet [it] does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education, or the joy of their play.

Flawed metrics. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a poor measure of societal well-being, as it:

• Counts negative events (like car accidents) as positive economic activity
• Ignores crucial factors like income inequality, environmental degradation, and quality of life

Alternative measures. New indicators like the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) aim to provide a more holistic view of societal progress by:

• Adding value for positive factors like volunteer work and higher education
• Subtracting costs of crime, resource depletion, and pollution
• Considering income distribution

6. Love, spirit, and connection are essential human needs

We need love to realize our full human potential.

Fundamental requirements. Beyond basic physical needs, humans require:

• Love and nurturing, especially in early childhood, for healthy development
• Spiritual connection to find meaning and purpose
• Sense of belonging within a community

Biophilia hypothesis. E.O. Wilson proposed that humans have an innate need to affiliate with other species and the natural world. This explains why:

• People in hospitals and care homes respond positively to plants and animals
• Time in nature reduces stress and improves well-being
• We prefer homes near water and green spaces

7. Reimagining our relationship with nature is key to a sustainable future

We have to see the world through new eyes, because how we view the world affects the way we treat it.

Shift in perspective. To create a sustainable future, we must:

• Recognize nature's intrinsic value beyond its economic utility
• See ourselves as part of nature, not separate from or superior to it
• Understand that harming the environment ultimately harms ourselves

Visioning a better world. By imagining the world we want to create, we can set concrete goals and work towards them. This includes:

• Clean air and water
• Sustainable forestry and fishing practices
• Cities designed in harmony with natural systems
• Preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services

The path to this future begins with changing our fundamental perspective on our relationship with the natural world.

Last updated: November 12, 2024