David Holmgren is co-originator (with Bill Mollison) of the permaculture concept and author of the recent book, PERMACULTURE: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability. He talks about the need to move beyond the lulling hope that 'green tech' breakthroughs will allow world-wide 'sustainable consumption' to the recognition that dwindling oil supplies inevitably mean a mandatory 'energy descent' for human civilization across the planet. He argues that permaculture principles provide the best guide to a peaceful societal 'powering down."
http://www.holmgren.com.au/html/Publications/Principles.html
Channel: News & Politics Uploaded: July 18, 2007 at 6:32 pm Author:eon3
Its scary to think about the fact that grocery stores, while seemingly so plentiful in food it gives off the illusion of an infinite resource, only hold less then a week's supply.. if the shit hits the fan it'll take less then a week before people go hungry and when someone's kids are starving they will do anything
Scaith, we (in the US) are trained to believe that unlimited economic growth is the key to success and happiness. Just not true. It's natural to resist change, but the ability to adapt is what keeps us alive.
Pay special attention to Holmgren's words about species becoming more co-operative in low-energy ecosystems. No "gated communities" anymore (see Jared Diamond). Support a local organic farmer by joining a CSA, and learn a low-energy trade. That's how we prevent the grocery-store riots.
kendanielone(Sunday 3rd of August 2008 08:21:00 AM)
What percentage of Americans do you think would live in rural areas if we converted to permaculture?
did you watch the video? He had nothing optimistic to say about the future.. he discarded all positive outcome theories and basically said we're on a downward slope with no hope of revival
irkone(Wednesday 5th of November 2008 12:06:37 AM)
If you think Holmgren is not optimistic, you aren't too familiar with reality as it is. Listen to some Richard Heinberg or Jay Hanson or Michael Klare or James Hansen or Sir David King. Colin Duncan, James Howard Kunstler, Peter Ward, Robert Jensen, Derrick Jensen, Jonathan Overpeck, James Speth. Just a list of some scientists, historians, activists, philosophers and social theorists who make Holmgren look like the figure of hope for humanity.
