Believing that we can exist with nature…
In the past few decades, we have seen our natural ecosystems pillaged and the plundering economic system collapse. Greed and materialism rose to new heights, while simultaneously the citizens of the world realized their intimate connection to the environment. Globalization gave us the opportunity to have anything, but also showed us the consequences. The greatest conservation opportunity isn’t the protection of a species or removal of an ailing dam, although I believe these are important. It is the ability of humanity to rise to a new consciousness that believes in the coexistence of humanity and nature. Ultimately, this depends upon whether we see ourselves as separate and superior to nature or as an integral and powerful force within natural systems. Essentially, I am re-promoting a ‘Leopoldian’ land ethic on a grander scale that will guide humanity towards a peaceful existence with nature and ultimately with ourselves.
Ecosystems are inherently dynamic, but humans are driving global changes at rates and scales of influence that until recently were not believed possible. A reconnection between humans and nature offers the possibility of finding a sustainable future for the whole world, not just humans. Unfortunately, we have begun the sixth mass extinction, but we have the knowledge and ability to see the consequences of our actions and choose to take a different path. The effects of the human population explosion will leave its indelible mark on our planet, although both nature and humans are resilient. We can create a unique and sustainable future if we choose to truly value nature and act accordingly. Acknowledging our complex and interdependent relationship with nature is the first step and this may require changing our view of nature and humankind as separate and distinct from each other.
One method to reconnect us with nature is to reduce the ecological disparity between wild nature and human-scapes. In the ecological restoration context this is based upon managing or restoring systems that have both ecological and anthropocentric value. As the sphere of humanity increases and ‘untouched’ wilderness decreases we need to determine ways to integrate ourselves within natural, ecologically functioning systems. I believe in the preservation of wilderness, although I also believe that the interface between urbanization and wilderness offers the greatest opportunity for large-scale sustainability and decreasing development pressure on remaining natural areas. Many see ecological restoration as a way for humankind to control nature. Unfortunately, this is partially true, but restoration also provides an opportunity to re-integrate ourselves within natural systems that provide value to humanity, habitat for wild species, and reduces the distinctive boundary between the concrete realm and the forest. Can humanity manage or create semi-wild ecosystems that simultaneously contain value for humans and nature? This concept may not be easy to implement and sacrifices will be required, but it promotes an environmental ethic that includes ‘us’ within nature by respecting the needs of each other and acknowledging our inter-dependence. This idea represents a paradigm shift in how we view our relationship with nature and may offer possibilities for connecting with the land in a new and more respectful manner.
This short essay cannot outline the steps necessary to create a sustainable future for our world, but I hope it has highlighted the concept of humanity fostering a paradigm shift in our relationship with nature. The future of humanity and wild nature is at a crossroads. I believe our greatest conservation opportunity is our ability to believe that we can exist as a component of nature and using this belief to create a relationship based on mutual respect and inter-dependence.
Thomas A. Grant is a PhD candidate in the the Department of Forestry, Rangeland and Watershed Stewardship at Colorado State University.
