Judith Schwartz, an environmental journalist and author of 'The Reindeer Chronicles', dives into hopeful narratives of ecological restoration. She challenges the carbon-centric view of climate action, urging a broader focus on water, forests, and indigenous knowledge. Judith discusses the role of donkeys in Australia's ecosystems, blending historical perspectives with modern regenerative practices. The conversation celebrates community-driven initiatives and underscores the importance of storytelling in fostering a more holistic understanding of nature.
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Quick takeaways
Addressing climate change requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond carbon measurements to include ecological processes and interdependencies.
Viewing nature as a dynamic entity underscores the active role of ecosystems like forests and water in climate stability and health.
Incorporating Indigenous knowledge into environmental practices can enhance ecological stewardship and foster sustainable community-driven solutions.
Deep dives
Understanding Climate Beyond Carbon
A deeper understanding of climate change goes beyond simply measuring carbon dioxide levels. Focusing solely on CO2 concentrations neglects the intricate processes that nature employs to regulate climate, such as the role of water, forests, and other ecological factors. This reductionist approach can lead to ignoring significant contributors to climate issues, including pollution from microplastics and chemical runoff. By recognizing that climate dynamics involve multiple interconnected narratives rather than just a singular carbon-focused lens, a more comprehensive strategy for climate action can emerge.
Nature as a Dynamic Entity
Framing nature as a living, dynamic entity rather than a static backdrop allows for a better grasp of ecological systems. This perspective highlights that forests, water cycles, and other natural assets actively contribute to climate stability and environmental health. For instance, forests are not merely collections of trees; they function through processes such as transpiration, which cools the atmosphere and fosters rainfall. Recognizing this activity promotes appreciation for how ecosystems operate and emphasizes the need to restore and protect these systems for climate resilience.
The Role of Indigenous Knowledge
Indigenous communities, such as the Sami, possess invaluable ecological knowledge that informs effective environmental stewardship. Their understanding of animal populations and the balance of ecosystems illustrates how traditional practices can contribute to climate solutions. For example, Sami herders have demonstrated that their reindeer are essential to maintaining the tundra ecosystem, critiquing the notion that too many reindeer harm the landscape. Integrating Indigenous perspectives into contemporary environmental policies can lead to more holistic and sustainable practices.
Collaboration to Heal and Restore
Bringing together diverse groups to facilitate constructive dialogue is crucial for addressing environmental challenges. Initiatives that promote community engagement, where individuals can express fears or aspirations, can foster understanding and cooperation. Instances such as reconciling conflicting interests between farmers and water authorities showcase how collaboration can lead to innovative, community-driven solutions. This holistic approach to problem-solving emphasizes that healing interpersonal relationships is as vital as rehabilitating the land.
The Importance of Local Action
Empowerment through local action can lead to significant change in environmental management. Individuals and communities can identify and implement initiatives that prioritize ecosystem health, such as supporting biodiversity in urban landscapes or advocating for responsible energy production. The movement toward renewable energy must consider the ecological impacts of installations, ensuring that decisions do not compromise the health of existing ecosystems. By focusing on grassroots strategies and connecting local actions to broader climate narratives, a more sustainable future can be cultivated for generations to come.
How do we move beyond our myopic focus on carbon/CO2 as the index of our harms to the world? What can we do to heal the whole biosphere? And what role is played by water-as-verb, forest-as-verb, ocean-as-verb?
This week's guest is an environmental journalist and author who has answers to all of these questions - and more. Judith Schwartz is an author who tells stories to explore and illuminate scientific concepts and cultural nuance. She takes a clear-eyed look at global environmental, economic, and social challenges, and finds insights and solutions in natural systems. She writes for numerous publications, including The Guardian and Scientific American and her first two books are music to our regenerative ears. The first is called 'Cows Save the Planet' and the next is 'Water in Plan Sight'. Her latest, “The Reindeer Chronicles”, was long listed for the Wainwright Prize and is an astonishingly uplifting exploration of what committed people are achieving as they dedicate themselves to earth repair, water repair and human repair.
Judith was recently at the 'Embracing Nature's Complexity' conference, organised by the Biotic Pump Greening Group which offers revolutionary new insights into eco-hydro-climatological landscape restoration. She's a contributor to the new book, 'What if we Get it Right?' edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, who was one of the editors of All We can Save.
Judith has been described as 'one of ecology's most indispensable writers' and when you read her work, you'll understand the magnificent depth and breadth of her insight into who we are and how we can help the world to heal.