Core ecological issues
We hear about environmental topics mostly piecmeal through the media. Usually the focus is on a specific problem or symptom of eclogical breakdown: climate change, food shortages, deforestation, toxins in the environment, etc.
We hear much less about the underlying processes which have led to these problems. The links below are about those processes. They examine the core issues which have got us into this mess.
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Carrying capacity
Some activists refuse to acknowldege that this basic concept of ecological science applies to humans. But we are one of millions of species, a part of the natural world, as much subject to its dictates as any other.-
My own essay, this sets out a logical proof that we have overshot carrying capacity. It was chosen by Dr. John Wilkins of the Evolving Thoughts blog at scienceblogs.com, for the "carrying capacity" section of his links to "Basic Concepts in Science."
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Important analysis estimates that humans usurp as much as 40% of all products of terrestrial photosynthesis.
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By Gigi Richard, this is one of the best brief overviews of the topic.
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The problem of agriculture
Our ecological challenge is, in basic ways, linked to agriculture. Growing numbers of experts suggest agriculture, in any form close to what we see today, is fundamentally unsustainable. The implications cannot be overstated.-
Brief look at the unsustainable nature of the of the "soil mining" which is agriculture. From soil microbiologist Peter Salonious, the leading voice on the topic today.
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By Peter Salonious, this article provides more detail and historical background on the problem of agriculture. The issue is virtually untouched by the media, but is at the heart of out ecological dilemma.
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Permaculture and horticulture expert Toby Hemenway details social and other problems arising from agriculture, contrasts agriculture with hunting-gathering, and offering horticulture as a possible solution.
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The mistake? Agriculture. Jared Diamond provides some of the reasons.
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The problem of civilization
There is a legitimate point of view that civilization itself is unsustainable. Among other issues, civilization has interfered with our recognition that we are a part of nature. These links explore those and related topics.-
Cody Lundin's school, teaching aboriginal and survival skills which help bring us back in touch with our place in the natural world.
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Urban Scout, living out an entire, multifaceted life project around rewilding and the problem of civilization
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Explores rewilding, often from an anthropological perspective. Provides a solid basis for tackling ecological issues. Check out the podcasts, Thirty Theses, etc. It's now an archive, and Jason and co. have a new site on the way.
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Important author exploring in depth the destructive nature of civilization.
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Growing base for information on rewilding. Wiki, discussion board, etc.
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