Ecology

one planet, one ecosystem

We've only begun to appreciate in the last fifty years how complex — and fragile — ecological systems are. Even more recently we've realized how interconnected the health of those ecological systems is with our social and economic systems. We used to drain swamps to claim land for development and to control pesky mosquitoes, but now we understand that wetlands are crucial for flood control and for providing habitat to countless species. We used to think the oceans and atmosphere were too big to be polluted, but we now realize that we risk setting off catastrophic and self-reinforcing changes if we strain these systems too hard.

Our deepening understanding of ecology has taught us another important lesson: healthy systems do not remain the same for years and years, but instead adapt to change over time by cultivating resilience.

videos

Bill Rees Epiphany

length: 3:14   credit: innerflamefilms

Post Carbon Fellow Bill Rees Story in animation.

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latest related publications

Where does permaculture now sit within Transition?

Rob Hopkins    Oct 25, 2011   

I first came across permaculture without realising it. I was travelling in Pakistan and China with a guy called Chris Gwin, who lived at Crystal Waters Permaculture Village in Queensland, … >>

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Bill Rees' Last Lecture

William Rees    Feb 02, 2012   

By Justin Richie, The Tyee Last December, after more than 40 years teaching at the School of Community and Regional Planning (SCARP) at the University of British Columbia, Bill Rees gave his … >>

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ECONOMY: Ecological Economics

Joshua Farley

EXCERPT:  Many people would agree that the central desirable end of economic activity is a high quality of life for this and future generations.  Conventional economists argue … >>

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