Chapter 5 - Ecology

Abstract

James Lovelock's series of books on Gaia reflect the content of this chapter, going from the point of view that Earth, as the living Gaia, adjusts to the happenings of humans. But as time went on, Lovelock's view is that Gaia is seeking revenge for what humans have done to the environment. By any current definition of an environment, Homo sapiens have been treated as outside the environment—something to respond to rather than alter. The Ecosphere and EcoSystem are terms defined herein that correct this oversight. America the Beautiful has been viewed as America the Bountiful—something from which raw material can be extracted to no end. Industrial farming, the greed for oil, and the exploitation of workers by the nuclear energy sector are explored. The soil is being killed by pesticides, eroded by plowing, and water resources are being depleted to quench the thirst of crops not suited for the area. How climate patterns as measured by temperature change and new rainfall patterns are discussed. Discussions of petroleum and nuclear disasters reveal the fact that technology has advanced at a far faster rate than humans can hold pace. Histories of fossil fuel and nuclear fuel are reviewed. While natural resources are being depleted at a rate faster than population increases, the hope of the future lies in sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind. Selected environmental disasters are discussed. The efforts of The Land Institute to develop perennials are presented.