1. The Big Themes in ENVS 1 Dec. 2, 2002

2. What do these have in common? Multiple Worldviews (Stephanie, Davis) Hierarchies & disciplines in understanding the natural world (Ian, Walter) Conventional vs Ecological Economics (Hector) Environmental Justice vs. Mainstream environmental groups (Hector) Competing Paradigms

3. And these? Succession-based silviculture- integrating forest harvesting and forest ecology (Jon) Stewardship - integrating social and ecological needs (Cecilia) Industrial Ecology - integrating manufacturing with natural systems processes (Saleem) Sustainability – integrating environment and human needs (Tom) New solutions through integration

4. Why emphasis on competing views? Where are the facts & the answers? (The envelope please…?!) The fact is… we are in the midst of a paradigm shift!

5. So what’s a paradigm? Not just a myth, not an opinion, not necessarily a “worldview” The accepted or “received” way to understand an issue or even the universe A comprehensive system of thought, including theories, tools, methodologies, diverse opinions & key questions.

6. And a paradigm shift? Occurs when: inconsistencies (“anomalies”) are too great it becomes overwhelmingly evident that theories don’t hold in many cases Provoked by: New evidence, new tools New ways of thinking (often from other fields)

7. Understanding importance of Paradigm shifts Classic work: Thomas Kuhn, Structure of Scientific Revolutions (1962, 1970) Your Reading: Bernard & Young, The Ecology of Hope Chapters 1& 2 (1997)

8. Classic example of Paradigm Shift Ptolemaic view (2 nd century A.D.) earth in the center of universe; sun, moon, 5 planets revolved around it, with the aid of God. Could make decent predictions, but growing discrepancies with actual observations. Copernican view (16 th century A.D.) sun center of solar system; earth merely one of the planets revolving around the sun. The math worked better with observed phenomena.

9. In Ecology of Hope, Chap 2… American Conservation Movement First wave: “Parks & Preservation” Second wave: “Pollution and Regulation” Both shared Scientific Management Third wave: “Ecology and Limits” A paradigm shift! Systems thinking; Acknowledging the unmanageable

10. Which brings us full circle, back to the first few days of classes … Global environmental epochs –Hunter-gatherer, Agriculture, Industrial, Info/Global Cultural revolutions –Agricultural, Industrial, Info/Globalization US environmental eras –Tribal, Frontier, Conservation, and Environmental World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg

11. No longer a “gloom & doom” course Despite worsening environmental problems and international relations, these are hopeful times! New answers are evident and untrodden paths opening up AS PEOPLE BEGIN TO SEE THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY

12. New linkages… new solutions Global and local Economy and ecology Social well-being and environmental health New policies… new politics

13. Affecting meaningful policy change… Obstacle: Powerful people & institutions have figured out how to make money & wield power under the old paradigm. Opportunity: Rapid, decentralized dissemination of information Diversity of organizing efforts while envisioning common fate

14. Role of activism … What did you learn from activist panels and guest lectures? What are some examples of activism? personal organized volunteer career of social change