Ecological Crisis Research Articles

How to Engage with Non-Human Others in Ecosystems from a Phenomenological and Interreligious Perspective

Humanity is currently in the midst of a number of serious ecological crises. Various scientific, philosophical, and religious ideas have been put forth in response to these global crises. Here, I suggest that the solutions to ecological problems can be best achieved when we undergo an essential change in our perspective on the existence and value of the natural world. In this regard, interreligious engagement and research, which address the multiple worldviews that emerge from individual religions and philosophies, have great potential to fundamentally transform our view of ecosystems. The problem is how to conduct such interreligious engagement and research, which has—unfortunately—to this point been overlooked. In this context, I propose the “four-step method of interreligious sympoiesis to address the ecological crisis”. This is a phenomenological–hermeneutic method that involves the following steps: (1) Suspension of Judgment (Epoché): the mind’s performing an epoché, which is taken as an ethical or religious vow; (2) Empathetic Reduction: the mind’s engaging in empathy with non-human beings; (3) Symbiotic Reduction: the mind’s envisioning of proper coexistence between humans and non-human beings in both minimal and maximal ways; (4) Interreligious Hermeneutical Synthesis: the arranging and synthesizing of the ideas obtained from the above reductions in a specific or comprehensive manner from an interreligious perspective. This paper aims to expound and defend these ideas.

Human-Scale Greenery in the Window View

In recent decades, the quality of life in cities has declined due to rapid growth. The global ecological crisis and climate change are leading to pollution and overheating of the environment, resulting in deteriorating health conditions and social segregation. The fact is that greenery in urban environments significantly improves people’s well-being, health, and satisfaction. The research presented in this paper was focused on the issue of greenery in residential neighborhoods, which has many positive effects in addition to the health benefits. The purpose of the article is to check whether greenery also has an artistic effect in addition to environmental benefits. In the research, the importance of greenery was highlighted by examining two residential neighborhoods in the urban environment of the city of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Elements of greenery were analyzed from the perspective of “human scale”, which refers to the size, texture, and arrangement of physical elements that correspond to human size and proportions. There were seven indicators highlighted that were used to verify the human scale: area connectivity, readability, and completeness of the ambience; transparency of tree canopies, and perception of artistic composition principles. The results show that the presence of greenery in residential neighborhoods is an important element of the human scale.

Seeing beyond the Anthropocene with Joyce and Beckett

This article suggests that the literary works of James Joyce and Samuel Beckett may offer a means of ‘seeing beyond the Anthropocene’. A close look at Joyce’s “The Dead” and the “Proteus” and “Penelope” episodes of Ulysses as well as at Beckett’s play Endgame and other works will show how these writers’ distinct ways of looking at the world, and the life and death of mortal human beings, provide radical critiques of (and perhaps alternatives to) anthropocentric idealism. Their insights are still highly relevant today as the ecological crisis demands a fundamental reorientation of the (post)human relationship with the earth.

Crise ecológica e a crise da forma jurídica: o ecossocialismo de Kohei Saito e de Joel Kovel como alternativas políticas

This article aims to analyze the ecological crisis as a legal crisis, seeking solutions in political alternatives in the thinking of Kohei Saito and Joel Kovel. It appears that one of the fields for confronting the ecological crisis is through International Law and national constitutional regimes that recognize the legal subjectivity of nature. However, the impact of adoption through legal forms is small, as there is no break with the capitalist model of commodification of life. Based on this observation, Joel Kovel and Kohei Saito, both from Marxist backgrounds, reveal a political agenda of breaking with the commodity form as the possibility of a way to face the ecological crisis. What was done was a brief literature review on the theme of ecosocialism based on the two authors mentioned, which allows us to reveal the political projects and epistemological issues linked to their thinking. In the end, on the one hand, the limitations of the legal form in the ecological issue and the need to break with the social forms of the capitalist mode of production are presented as part of the solution to the ecological crisis.

A Postmodernist Analysis Of Hyper-Textuality In Alice Oswald's Poem "Dunt : A Poem for a Dried Up River"

This study explores the concept of hyper-textuality within Alice Oswald's "Dunt: A Poem for a Dried Up River," situating the poem within a postmodernist framework. The central problem of this analysis lies in understanding how Oswald's work embodies and challenges the notions of textuality, fragmentation, and intertextuality typical of postmodern literature. The aim is to uncover the ways in which hyper-textuality enhances the thematic concerns of environmental degradation and the impermanence of nature in "Dunt." The hypothesis posits that Oswald employs hyper-textuality not merely as a stylistic device but as a means to evoke a multifaceted dialogue between the poem and its surrounding cultural, ecological, and literary contexts. Guided by postmodern literary theory, the methodology encompasses a close reading of the text alongside comparative analyses with other works that explore similar themes of nature and loss. This approach is complemented by examining critical texts on hyper-textuality and postmodernism. Preliminary results indicate that Oswald's use of fragmented images, disjointed narratives, and allusions to various texts create a rich tapestry of meanings that invite readers to engage actively with the text, thus reinforcing the poem's central motifs of absence and ecological crisis. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how contemporary poetry utilizes hyper-textuality as a vehicle for critical engagement with pressing environmental issues, suggesting that Oswald’s work is not only a lament for a dried-up river but also an intricate commentary on the interconnectedness of text, nature, and human experience in the postmodern landscape.

Sustainable and slow cities: the quest for conviviality

The concept of conviviality, introduced by Ivan Illich in his book Tools for Conviviality (1973), offers a solution to the counterproductive effects of fast transport. It is now widely recognized that fast transport does not save time for individuals and communities but rather increases the feeling of time famine and ultimately leads to greater energy consumption to travel longer distances. In today’s context of urban time famine and ecological crisis, I show that Illich’s system of thought finds empirical validity. An inductive approach in nine “Cittàslow” labeled European cities demonstrates that a slow pace of life and mobility contributes to the maintenance of friendly or convivial relations. Incorporating slow mobility policies into the broader framework of convivial cities could become a key instrument in the transition to a more sustainable path, while also offering prospects for future lifestyles that people find desirable. The article concludes by arguing that the pursuit of conviviality in cities can help promote slow mobility and sustainable living, ultimately contributing to a more environmentally conscious and socially connected society.

Contemporary Implication of Marxist Ecological View of Nature

This paper discusses the implication of Marxist ecological view of nature in the contemporary context, analyzes the current situation and challenges of the global ecological crisis, and deeply expounds the theoretical connotation of Marxist ecological view of nature and its response to contemporary problems. With the acceleration of industrialization and the continuous growth of population, the global ecological crisis has become increasingly prominent, which poses a serious threat to the sustainable development of human society. Marxist ecological view of nature emphasizes the dialectical unity of man and nature, the integrity of the ecosystem, and the importance of the construction of ecological civilization. Sex. It holds that the root of the ecological crisis lies in the excessive exploitation and utilization of natural resources by the capitalist mode of production, and that the fundamental way to solve the ecological crisis lies in changing the capitalist mode of production and realizing the ideals of socialism and communism. In contemporary practice, Marxist ecological view of nature provides important theoretical guidance and ideological weapons for countries to deal with ecological and environmental problems. By comparing and analyzing the current situation of international construction of ecological civilization, this paper reveals the uniqueness of Marxist ecological view of nature in the global construction of ecological civilization. Special advantages and value.

Impact of climate change on the distribution of the invasive water hyacinth in Ethiopia

The introduction of exotic species poses one of the greatest threats to biodiversity globally. Water hyacinth is a dangerous invasive species that has harmed Ethiopia’s wetland ecology and economy. This research aims to evaluate the current distribution of water hyacinth and the impact of environmental variables on its spread, while also mapping future habitat suitability under climate change scenarios and assessing how these changes may influence the species' potential expansion. To estimate the risks of climate change to the species, a predictive model was developed from six modeling methodologies to investigate the climatic suitability of target species for the years 2050 and 2070 under two Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP 8.5). Under the current climatic scenario, only 69.78% (789 503.8 km2) and 16.02% (181 262.8 km2) of the country is moderately and highly suitable for species dispersion and invasion respectively. The remaining 14.2% (160 620.9 km2) is unsuitable for the distribution and invasion of the species. In 2050, under the RCP4.5 and RCP 8.5, the ‘highly suitable’ range of water hyacinth is anticipated to expand by 16.35% and 15.39%, whereas the ‘moderately suitable’ area is predicted to increase by 70.81% and 71.52%, respectively. Under the RCP8.5 scenarios, compared to the current climatic conditions, in 2070 the ‘highly suitable’ region for the species is expected to increase by 11.48%. Its continuing growth would exacerbate the issue of ecological and economic crisis, cause significant economic and environmental harm and endanger the community’s way of life. In order to avert or reduce these effects, a thorough examination of water hyacinth along the two RCPs by water resource scientists and mamangers, that takes into account how climate change is affecting water hyacinth growing locations in Ethiopia, and provides a proper solution, is mandatory.

Ecological Crisis and Strategy in the Jesuit China Mission

Abstract In Laudate Deum (2023), Pope Francis calls on those negotiating today’s climate emergency to be “strategists.” No organization has a longer history of strategy-making than the pope’s alma mater, the Society of Jesus, whose China mission was founded during an ecological crisis. No Jesuit is more celebrated as a strategist than Matteo Ricci (1552–1610), who observed the effects of that crisis in 1604 and praised the emperor’s response but noted its inadequacy. As a result of this, and the influence of Xu Guangqi (1562–1633), the idea of introducing European science to China materialized as the final strand of the China mission’s strategy. Xu’s own career was dedicated to preserving Ming China through agricultural and military reform, and his ideas are present in Ricci’s work. Thus, Ricci’s strategy-making was forged in the context of challenges recognizable today, and its strengths and limitations represent a resource for the strategists addressed by Pope Francis.

Composition and Distribution of Macroinvertebrates Associated with the Sponges Lubomirskia baikalensis (Spongillida, Lubomirskiidae) during the Ecological Crisis in Lake Baikal

Composition and Distribution of Macroinvertebrates Associated with the Sponges Lubomirskia baikalensis (Spongillida, Lubomirskiidae) during the Ecological Crisis in Lake Baikal

Assessing Aotearoa's latest 'war on nature' or 'Goodbye Freddy'

Since taking office in late November 2023, the National/ACT/New Zealand First coalition government in Aotearoa New Zealand has made rapid, comprehensive and far-reaching changes to environmental laws, regulations and policies. Further significant policy reforms are pending. This article outlines the main policy changes and summarises the many concerns that they have generated.It then discusses the coalition’s apparent rationale for the changes, focusing particularly on resource management reform. Followingthis, the article outlines the ecological values and principles that ought to inform environmental policy. It concludes with brief reflections on the longer-term implications of the coalition’s approach to environmental governance and management and the wider global failure to tackle the current ecological crises.

Nilai Patriotisme Dalam Kearifan Lokal Suku Sasak (Resepsi Ekosufism Masyarakat Dusun Sade, Kecamatan Pujut, Kabupaten Lombok Tengah)

Modern humans are experiencing many different acute crises. According to Nasr, the great ecological crisis is the result of human ambition to exploit nature. In other words, the main cause of the ecological crisis is a scientific lifestyle that does not consider modern science as a means to understand nature. Instead, it is considered a philosophy that, as a whole, reduces all reality to its material parts and does not accept unscientific worldviews. The Sasak tribe (read: Lombok) has diverse local wisdom and is rich in meaning. One of the villages that practices both consciously and unconsciously about eco-sufism is the Sade hamlet, Rambitan village, Pujut District, Central Lombok. This paper will look at how the value of patriotism in local wisdom in ecosufism in the Sade hamlet. The value of patriotism is a value that teaches love for the homeland, courage, willingness to sacrifice, sincerity, and never give up. This paper examines and analyzes the eco-sufism of the Sade hamlet with environmental ethics from the perspective of Seyeed Hosesin Nasr. The concept of environmental ethics put forward by Nasr is rooted in two concepts. First on the concept of unity (tawhid) and second the concept of man. The universe is the manifestation of God. Man as in the Qur'an plays the role of servant ('abd) as well as caliph (khalifah) of God. These two words are the key to understanding man. As a result, the Sade hamlet has several traditions and cultures that are full of meaning, including in terms of house architecture and awik-awik.

Ecospiritual Praxis: Cultivating Connection to Address the Climate Crisis

This article suggests ecospirituality as a connection point between religion, science, and other disciplines, as well as the relationships between people, the land and waters, the community of all life, and the Divine. Ecospirituality connects different disciplines and highlights the interconnectedness between people and the rest of the natural world, and it also catalyzes action through spiritual experience and meaning-making. A review of different disciplines’ research on ecospirituality is provided. A description of an ecospiritual praxis cycle is offered, based on interviews and survey data. This ecospiritual praxis cycle may be able to help move people toward practical and efficacious actions of care for the community of all life to participate in the collective transformation that needs to occur in order to address the climate and ecological crises. This article identifies disconnection between theory and action regarding climate and environmental knowledge and collective action as one of the main problems, which “undisciplining” religion and science can help overcome.

Robots and animals teaming up in the wild to tackle ecosystem challenges.

Interactively teaming up animals and robots could facilitate basic scientific research and address environmental and ecological crises.

Animal Cultures at the Edge of Extinction

Over the course of the latter part of the 20th century the notion that some animals might partake in a cultural form of life has gained growing support in the natural sciences. Iconic examples of tool using chimpanzees, sweet potato washing macaques, and milk bottle opening birds have captured scientific and popular interest alike. But at the same time that this effort to describe, define, and study animal cultures was developing, the global ecological crisis was deepening. This article explores this strange juxtaposition. It offers a critical overview of the concept of animal culture as it has taken shape in the natural sciences. Building on this foundation, the article explores how and why animal cultures matter at the edge of extinction, exploring possible roles for the environmental humanities, extinction studies, and philosophical ethology, in developing new approaches to the question of animal culture in a time of escalating biodiversity loss.

The corporeal rift: from 19th-Century guano diggers to the present

ABSTRACT Using archival data from Peru, Britain, and France, along with primary and secondary sources, this study expands the corporeal rift theory, concerned with the undermining of human bodies, by exploring the conditions faced by 19th-century Peruvian guano (bird dung) diggers. It identifies four interconnected moments of the corporeal rift: abduction, transportation, super-exploitation, and social murder, and argues that the corporeal rift also encompasses cultural dimensions. This analysis enhances our understanding of the systemic impacts of worker exploitation globally, showing its persistence and its ties to the ongoing ecological crisis.

Learning to ‘sit in the fire’: Staying with the discomfort of transformative learning

In view of the deep social and ecological crises of our time, many scholars are calling for forms of learning and change that are predicated on establishing qualitatively different relationships between human beings, and between humans and the rest of the living world, as well as on a deeper awareness of systemic social justice issues. This is notably advocated within the field of Transformative Learning. This article investigates how such forms of transformation may happen, and what factors may enable them, in the under-researched context of small and self-directed adult inquiry groups. Through the case study of a social learning evaluation conducted within one such group, enabling factors for transformative learning and the fostering of critical social consciousness are examined. The role of particular individuals within the group – ‘key enablers’ of transformative learning – is highlighted as an important social learning element in this regard, which may be particularly helpful in situations of discomfort within self-directed groups.

Ecofascism in the shadow of ‘patriotic ecology’: Nativism, economic greenwashing, and the evolution of far-right political ecology in France

Far-right environmental politics has changed dramatically in Europe in the last decade. Through an investigation of (far-)right rhetoric in the 2022 French elections we document the development of far-right political ecology in France and the rise of so-called ‘patriotic ecology’. We identify an intensifying focus on rootedness, racialised Malthusianism, and localism which seeks to cast ‘nomadic’ or ‘uprooted’ Global South refugees and migrants, minoritised communities, and liberal globalist political elites as the primary culprits of France’s environmental issues. We show how this discourse extends and develops prior forms of ecofascism, promising forms of statecraft that will intensify authoritarian border violence while ‘liberating’ the native stewards of rural France from ‘punitive’ forms of industrial decarbonisation. This reflects an evolving form of climate change denialism by stealth within far-right politics because it obscures the unequal, extractive economic causes of ecological crises and the need for systemic economic transformations.

The Paths of Ecological Civilization Construction under the Concept of Sustainable Environmental Education

Ecological civilization is a new stage of human civilization development after industrial civilization, and it is an inevitable choice to cope with the global ecological crisis and achieve harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. With the deepening of China's ecological civilization construction, sustainable development education has gradually become an important means of cultivating public ecological awareness. This article first elaborates on the connotation of ecological civilization and its relationship with education, analyzes the current situation of ecological education in schools and society, and points out the existing problems. We must adhere to the integration of ecological civilization and sustainable development education, the integration of ecological civilization and educational governance, and develop education with the people as the center, building a path for the development of ecological civilization.

Chronotopes of exile and loss in Philip O'Sullivan Beare's Zoilomastix (c. 1626)☆

AbstractThis essay explores the relationship between an early modern exile and his native environment, as depicted in Philip O'Sullivan Beare's unfinished natural history Zoilomastix. Writing by turns in Latin, Spanish and Gaelic from the safety of the Habsburg court, O'Sullivan Beare marshalled Ciceronian rhetoric and Plinian wonder to argue for the conservation of interwoven natural and cultural environments. One of the earliest examples of national historiographies written from exile by erudite Irish figures, Zoilomastix has most often been read in terms of its political theology. Though understandable, such readings obscure O'Sullivan Beare's idiosyncratic treatments of self, state and nature. Additionally, such readings only partially consider the author's attempts to engage with the debates on ethnicity, natural law and resource capture which directed the actions of the English state. Adopting the dialogic framework of Mikhail Bakhtin's chronotope, this essay therefore explores the extent to which the genre of natural history was utilized to inform and influence contested narratives. It argues that O'Sullivan Beare's autobiographical account, and its relevance to the forthcoming ‘loss’ of his Gaelic world, has much to tell us in a time of ecological crisis.