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

Richard Heinberg - Energy and the Delusion of Endless Growth

length: 9:06   credit: Radio Ecoshock

An interview with Richard Heinberg on PCI's giant new book Energy: Overdevelopment and the Delusion of Endless Growth. The video takes you through the book page by page.

Part 2 here

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associated fellows

latest related publications

Tar Sands Is Worse Than You Can Imagine: Incredible Images You Have to See

Leslie Moyer    Apr 19, 2013   

The Suncor Energy upgrading refinery, on the banks of the Athabasca River. Photo Credit: Copyrighted image; photographer not disclosed. Post Carbon … >>

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There's Only One Real Option for Averting Economic and Ecological Ruin -- So Why Aren't We Talking About It?

Richard Heinberg    Apr 16, 2013   

The following excerpt is reprinted from the new book Energy: Overdevelopment and the Delusion of Endless Growth, edited by Tom Butler and George Wuerthner, published by Post … >>

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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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ENERGY: Overdevelopment and the Delusion of Endless Growth

Daniel Lerch Richard Heinberg Bill McKibben David Fridley David Hughes Gloria Flora Wes Jackson

Edited by Tom Butler and George Wuerthner, Introduction by Richard Heinberg. 

ENERGY takes an unflinching look at the environmental devastation created by our thirst for … >>

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