econologics

some of the moss of Yad Moss

We need to get used to it. Our experiences and expectations of profligate living are unsustainable. And as global economics continue to seethe in turmoil, concerns of the world's ecologies are eclipsed. We need to remind ourselves that the root of both words - economy and ecology - is the same.

deep in Tyne Bottom Mine

 Over the course of two centuries, as capitalism as a driving force has dominated almost every aspect of human existence, ecology has been marginalised. Now that we're at the brink of capitalism's collapse, we should consider how we can live full, happy and enjoyable lives through the celebration of, and partnership with, our local ecologies.

ice-jaws

I make no excuses for returning once more to this topic. It may take time, energy and careful thinking to nurture a close relationship with one's surrounding natural environment, but it is tremendously rewarding in terms of wellbeing. Whether it be moss and lichen, underground minerals or layers of morning ice, there are stories to reveal, rich veins of understanding to mine and to apply to the widest range of situations imaginable, and simple reasons to celebrate complex life. It's as much a topic for artists as it is for scientists and technologists. Brought together, a third force exists, where our understanding is increased and broadened, and where we will discover and develop strategies for full and enjoyable lives. For me, at the heart of this strategy, lies the Adaptive Cycle. It seems particularly appropriate this year when there have been so many tipping points and sudden changes.

To get an outline of the adaptive cycle and how it can be applied, visit The Automatic Earth blog. This describes the thinking of Buzz Holling, a Canadian ecologist and one of the conceptual founders of ecological economics. In his own introduction to the concept, he wrote

"The bewildering, entrancing, unpredictable nature of nature and people, the richness, diversity and changeability of life come from that evolutionary dance generated by cycles of growth, collapse, reorganization, renewal and re-establishment. We call that the adaptive cycle."

Below is the diagram from that blog:

the Adaptive Cycle

I like the 3-dimensional relationship of wealth, connectedness and resilience that is applied to the model. The relationship provides a large space for wonderment and imagination.Yesterday the cloudless sky led to an overnight frosting, followed by a flood of bright morning sunlight. I walked out from my home and up to a ridge. From its height I could see with perfect clarity for more than 50 miles in two directions - three if you count the sky. At my feet, someone within the last year or so had adapted a crumbling stone wall to create what appeared to be a small cist with a turf roof. I speculated on its contents. I was standing amongst the Adaptive Cycle, with release at my feet, surrounded by incidents of exploitation, reorganisation and conservation, with a sense of connectiveness to more than a hundred square miles of terrain, augmented by a wealth of understanding and ideas of resilience. It was a moment to count my blessings.

cist on Yad Moss