Elements of Ethical Reasoning - ecoethics.netecoethics.net/2014-ENVRE120/Slides/20140916-ENVR... ·...
110
Environmental Ethics and Land Management ENVR E-120 http://courses.dce.harvard.edu/~envre120 Timothy C. Weiskel Harvard University Extension School Fall Semester 2014 Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologist’s Approach Class Session 3 16 September 2014
Transcript of Elements of Ethical Reasoning - ecoethics.netecoethics.net/2014-ENVRE120/Slides/20140916-ENVR... ·...
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
You may recall last time we began at the beginninghellip
I used to get really nervous about cosmic mega eventshellip
Tim Weiskel - 3
Then I realized that there were ldquohome grownrdquo problems
right here on Earthhellip
Tim Weiskel - 4
Tim Weiskel - 5
Then just when I stopped worrying about the mega
volcanoes around the world I learned of the more
immediate potential for the megaquakehellip
Tim Weiskel - 6
Why start with all the ldquocosmicrdquo razmatazz
Why start a course with narratives about ldquocosmicrdquo or
ldquogeologicalrdquo or ldquoevolutionaryrdquo time
Why bother with cosmological theories or the ldquouniverse
storyrdquo or models of the origins of the moon
ldquoLetrsquos get down to businessrdquo so the argument goes
ldquoand focus on what ethics should really be talking
about ndash that is what is right and what is wrong what
is good and what is bad
In short what are the rules in
environmental ethicsrdquo
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 7
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 8
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 9
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 10
Some people think this is a jokehellip
Tim Weiskel - 11
Tim Weiskel - 12
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 13
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 14
Further you may already have realized the fact that
that we are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 15
But for me ethics is not about metaphysics
nor about religion
Ethics is about the really real world
Actually there is an important reason to start where we
did
The reason is that for the purposes of this course we
consider that ethics is firmly based in reality
It is not some theoretical series of make-believe
propositions about unknown or imaginary worlds
Ethics is above all about how we should behave in the
Real World
But this proposition is not without problems
Tim Weiskel - 16
Contest of lsquoRealitiesrsquo Simply put the question is this
Whose lsquorealityrsquo is really real
We are seeing this play out as we speakhellip
It is a election year (ldquoLet me tell you about the realities [of getting elected Wall Street of the lsquomarketplacersquo etc]helliprdquo) and
Our economy ndash the worldrsquos economy ndash is suffering a ldquorealityrdquo crunch If you donrsquot believe me just check out the discussions of the ldquoyear afterrdquo
httponpointwburorg20090914wall-street-a-year-after-lehmans-fall
Tim Weiskel - 17
Elizabeth Warren ndash running with a new
definition of realityhellip
ldquoI donrsquot think Washington gets ithellip It isnrsquot
right and itrsquos the reason I am runninghelliprdquo
Tim Weiskel - 18
A New Ethic Emerges from a New Reality
In effect people all over the world are clambering for an understanding of what is ldquoreally realrdquo hellipin order to know how they should act now today and behave from now onwardshellip
In human history new forms of morality are always forged from new concepts of reality
So it is important to dwell on reality and describe it carefully
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
You may recall last time we began at the beginninghellip
I used to get really nervous about cosmic mega eventshellip
Tim Weiskel - 3
Then I realized that there were ldquohome grownrdquo problems
right here on Earthhellip
Tim Weiskel - 4
Tim Weiskel - 5
Then just when I stopped worrying about the mega
volcanoes around the world I learned of the more
immediate potential for the megaquakehellip
Tim Weiskel - 6
Why start with all the ldquocosmicrdquo razmatazz
Why start a course with narratives about ldquocosmicrdquo or
ldquogeologicalrdquo or ldquoevolutionaryrdquo time
Why bother with cosmological theories or the ldquouniverse
storyrdquo or models of the origins of the moon
ldquoLetrsquos get down to businessrdquo so the argument goes
ldquoand focus on what ethics should really be talking
about ndash that is what is right and what is wrong what
is good and what is bad
In short what are the rules in
environmental ethicsrdquo
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 7
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 8
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 9
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 10
Some people think this is a jokehellip
Tim Weiskel - 11
Tim Weiskel - 12
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 13
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 14
Further you may already have realized the fact that
that we are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 15
But for me ethics is not about metaphysics
nor about religion
Ethics is about the really real world
Actually there is an important reason to start where we
did
The reason is that for the purposes of this course we
consider that ethics is firmly based in reality
It is not some theoretical series of make-believe
propositions about unknown or imaginary worlds
Ethics is above all about how we should behave in the
Real World
But this proposition is not without problems
Tim Weiskel - 16
Contest of lsquoRealitiesrsquo Simply put the question is this
Whose lsquorealityrsquo is really real
We are seeing this play out as we speakhellip
It is a election year (ldquoLet me tell you about the realities [of getting elected Wall Street of the lsquomarketplacersquo etc]helliprdquo) and
Our economy ndash the worldrsquos economy ndash is suffering a ldquorealityrdquo crunch If you donrsquot believe me just check out the discussions of the ldquoyear afterrdquo
httponpointwburorg20090914wall-street-a-year-after-lehmans-fall
Tim Weiskel - 17
Elizabeth Warren ndash running with a new
definition of realityhellip
ldquoI donrsquot think Washington gets ithellip It isnrsquot
right and itrsquos the reason I am runninghelliprdquo
Tim Weiskel - 18
A New Ethic Emerges from a New Reality
In effect people all over the world are clambering for an understanding of what is ldquoreally realrdquo hellipin order to know how they should act now today and behave from now onwardshellip
In human history new forms of morality are always forged from new concepts of reality
So it is important to dwell on reality and describe it carefully
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 3
Then I realized that there were ldquohome grownrdquo problems
right here on Earthhellip
Tim Weiskel - 4
Tim Weiskel - 5
Then just when I stopped worrying about the mega
volcanoes around the world I learned of the more
immediate potential for the megaquakehellip
Tim Weiskel - 6
Why start with all the ldquocosmicrdquo razmatazz
Why start a course with narratives about ldquocosmicrdquo or
ldquogeologicalrdquo or ldquoevolutionaryrdquo time
Why bother with cosmological theories or the ldquouniverse
storyrdquo or models of the origins of the moon
ldquoLetrsquos get down to businessrdquo so the argument goes
ldquoand focus on what ethics should really be talking
about ndash that is what is right and what is wrong what
is good and what is bad
In short what are the rules in
environmental ethicsrdquo
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 7
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 8
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 9
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 10
Some people think this is a jokehellip
Tim Weiskel - 11
Tim Weiskel - 12
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 13
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 14
Further you may already have realized the fact that
that we are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 15
But for me ethics is not about metaphysics
nor about religion
Ethics is about the really real world
Actually there is an important reason to start where we
did
The reason is that for the purposes of this course we
consider that ethics is firmly based in reality
It is not some theoretical series of make-believe
propositions about unknown or imaginary worlds
Ethics is above all about how we should behave in the
Real World
But this proposition is not without problems
Tim Weiskel - 16
Contest of lsquoRealitiesrsquo Simply put the question is this
Whose lsquorealityrsquo is really real
We are seeing this play out as we speakhellip
It is a election year (ldquoLet me tell you about the realities [of getting elected Wall Street of the lsquomarketplacersquo etc]helliprdquo) and
Our economy ndash the worldrsquos economy ndash is suffering a ldquorealityrdquo crunch If you donrsquot believe me just check out the discussions of the ldquoyear afterrdquo
httponpointwburorg20090914wall-street-a-year-after-lehmans-fall
Tim Weiskel - 17
Elizabeth Warren ndash running with a new
definition of realityhellip
ldquoI donrsquot think Washington gets ithellip It isnrsquot
right and itrsquos the reason I am runninghelliprdquo
Tim Weiskel - 18
A New Ethic Emerges from a New Reality
In effect people all over the world are clambering for an understanding of what is ldquoreally realrdquo hellipin order to know how they should act now today and behave from now onwardshellip
In human history new forms of morality are always forged from new concepts of reality
So it is important to dwell on reality and describe it carefully
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 4
Tim Weiskel - 5
Then just when I stopped worrying about the mega
volcanoes around the world I learned of the more
immediate potential for the megaquakehellip
Tim Weiskel - 6
Why start with all the ldquocosmicrdquo razmatazz
Why start a course with narratives about ldquocosmicrdquo or
ldquogeologicalrdquo or ldquoevolutionaryrdquo time
Why bother with cosmological theories or the ldquouniverse
storyrdquo or models of the origins of the moon
ldquoLetrsquos get down to businessrdquo so the argument goes
ldquoand focus on what ethics should really be talking
about ndash that is what is right and what is wrong what
is good and what is bad
In short what are the rules in
environmental ethicsrdquo
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 7
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 8
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 9
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 10
Some people think this is a jokehellip
Tim Weiskel - 11
Tim Weiskel - 12
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 13
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 14
Further you may already have realized the fact that
that we are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 15
But for me ethics is not about metaphysics
nor about religion
Ethics is about the really real world
Actually there is an important reason to start where we
did
The reason is that for the purposes of this course we
consider that ethics is firmly based in reality
It is not some theoretical series of make-believe
propositions about unknown or imaginary worlds
Ethics is above all about how we should behave in the
Real World
But this proposition is not without problems
Tim Weiskel - 16
Contest of lsquoRealitiesrsquo Simply put the question is this
Whose lsquorealityrsquo is really real
We are seeing this play out as we speakhellip
It is a election year (ldquoLet me tell you about the realities [of getting elected Wall Street of the lsquomarketplacersquo etc]helliprdquo) and
Our economy ndash the worldrsquos economy ndash is suffering a ldquorealityrdquo crunch If you donrsquot believe me just check out the discussions of the ldquoyear afterrdquo
httponpointwburorg20090914wall-street-a-year-after-lehmans-fall
Tim Weiskel - 17
Elizabeth Warren ndash running with a new
definition of realityhellip
ldquoI donrsquot think Washington gets ithellip It isnrsquot
right and itrsquos the reason I am runninghelliprdquo
Tim Weiskel - 18
A New Ethic Emerges from a New Reality
In effect people all over the world are clambering for an understanding of what is ldquoreally realrdquo hellipin order to know how they should act now today and behave from now onwardshellip
In human history new forms of morality are always forged from new concepts of reality
So it is important to dwell on reality and describe it carefully
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 5
Then just when I stopped worrying about the mega
volcanoes around the world I learned of the more
immediate potential for the megaquakehellip
Tim Weiskel - 6
Why start with all the ldquocosmicrdquo razmatazz
Why start a course with narratives about ldquocosmicrdquo or
ldquogeologicalrdquo or ldquoevolutionaryrdquo time
Why bother with cosmological theories or the ldquouniverse
storyrdquo or models of the origins of the moon
ldquoLetrsquos get down to businessrdquo so the argument goes
ldquoand focus on what ethics should really be talking
about ndash that is what is right and what is wrong what
is good and what is bad
In short what are the rules in
environmental ethicsrdquo
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 7
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 8
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 9
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 10
Some people think this is a jokehellip
Tim Weiskel - 11
Tim Weiskel - 12
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 13
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 14
Further you may already have realized the fact that
that we are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 15
But for me ethics is not about metaphysics
nor about religion
Ethics is about the really real world
Actually there is an important reason to start where we
did
The reason is that for the purposes of this course we
consider that ethics is firmly based in reality
It is not some theoretical series of make-believe
propositions about unknown or imaginary worlds
Ethics is above all about how we should behave in the
Real World
But this proposition is not without problems
Tim Weiskel - 16
Contest of lsquoRealitiesrsquo Simply put the question is this
Whose lsquorealityrsquo is really real
We are seeing this play out as we speakhellip
It is a election year (ldquoLet me tell you about the realities [of getting elected Wall Street of the lsquomarketplacersquo etc]helliprdquo) and
Our economy ndash the worldrsquos economy ndash is suffering a ldquorealityrdquo crunch If you donrsquot believe me just check out the discussions of the ldquoyear afterrdquo
httponpointwburorg20090914wall-street-a-year-after-lehmans-fall
Tim Weiskel - 17
Elizabeth Warren ndash running with a new
definition of realityhellip
ldquoI donrsquot think Washington gets ithellip It isnrsquot
right and itrsquos the reason I am runninghelliprdquo
Tim Weiskel - 18
A New Ethic Emerges from a New Reality
In effect people all over the world are clambering for an understanding of what is ldquoreally realrdquo hellipin order to know how they should act now today and behave from now onwardshellip
In human history new forms of morality are always forged from new concepts of reality
So it is important to dwell on reality and describe it carefully
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 6
Why start with all the ldquocosmicrdquo razmatazz
Why start a course with narratives about ldquocosmicrdquo or
ldquogeologicalrdquo or ldquoevolutionaryrdquo time
Why bother with cosmological theories or the ldquouniverse
storyrdquo or models of the origins of the moon
ldquoLetrsquos get down to businessrdquo so the argument goes
ldquoand focus on what ethics should really be talking
about ndash that is what is right and what is wrong what
is good and what is bad
In short what are the rules in
environmental ethicsrdquo
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 7
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 8
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 9
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 10
Some people think this is a jokehellip
Tim Weiskel - 11
Tim Weiskel - 12
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 13
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 14
Further you may already have realized the fact that
that we are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 15
But for me ethics is not about metaphysics
nor about religion
Ethics is about the really real world
Actually there is an important reason to start where we
did
The reason is that for the purposes of this course we
consider that ethics is firmly based in reality
It is not some theoretical series of make-believe
propositions about unknown or imaginary worlds
Ethics is above all about how we should behave in the
Real World
But this proposition is not without problems
Tim Weiskel - 16
Contest of lsquoRealitiesrsquo Simply put the question is this
Whose lsquorealityrsquo is really real
We are seeing this play out as we speakhellip
It is a election year (ldquoLet me tell you about the realities [of getting elected Wall Street of the lsquomarketplacersquo etc]helliprdquo) and
Our economy ndash the worldrsquos economy ndash is suffering a ldquorealityrdquo crunch If you donrsquot believe me just check out the discussions of the ldquoyear afterrdquo
httponpointwburorg20090914wall-street-a-year-after-lehmans-fall
Tim Weiskel - 17
Elizabeth Warren ndash running with a new
definition of realityhellip
ldquoI donrsquot think Washington gets ithellip It isnrsquot
right and itrsquos the reason I am runninghelliprdquo
Tim Weiskel - 18
A New Ethic Emerges from a New Reality
In effect people all over the world are clambering for an understanding of what is ldquoreally realrdquo hellipin order to know how they should act now today and behave from now onwardshellip
In human history new forms of morality are always forged from new concepts of reality
So it is important to dwell on reality and describe it carefully
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 7
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 8
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 9
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 10
Some people think this is a jokehellip
Tim Weiskel - 11
Tim Weiskel - 12
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 13
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 14
Further you may already have realized the fact that
that we are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 15
But for me ethics is not about metaphysics
nor about religion
Ethics is about the really real world
Actually there is an important reason to start where we
did
The reason is that for the purposes of this course we
consider that ethics is firmly based in reality
It is not some theoretical series of make-believe
propositions about unknown or imaginary worlds
Ethics is above all about how we should behave in the
Real World
But this proposition is not without problems
Tim Weiskel - 16
Contest of lsquoRealitiesrsquo Simply put the question is this
Whose lsquorealityrsquo is really real
We are seeing this play out as we speakhellip
It is a election year (ldquoLet me tell you about the realities [of getting elected Wall Street of the lsquomarketplacersquo etc]helliprdquo) and
Our economy ndash the worldrsquos economy ndash is suffering a ldquorealityrdquo crunch If you donrsquot believe me just check out the discussions of the ldquoyear afterrdquo
httponpointwburorg20090914wall-street-a-year-after-lehmans-fall
Tim Weiskel - 17
Elizabeth Warren ndash running with a new
definition of realityhellip
ldquoI donrsquot think Washington gets ithellip It isnrsquot
right and itrsquos the reason I am runninghelliprdquo
Tim Weiskel - 18
A New Ethic Emerges from a New Reality
In effect people all over the world are clambering for an understanding of what is ldquoreally realrdquo hellipin order to know how they should act now today and behave from now onwardshellip
In human history new forms of morality are always forged from new concepts of reality
So it is important to dwell on reality and describe it carefully
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 8
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 9
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 10
Some people think this is a jokehellip
Tim Weiskel - 11
Tim Weiskel - 12
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 13
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 14
Further you may already have realized the fact that
that we are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 15
But for me ethics is not about metaphysics
nor about religion
Ethics is about the really real world
Actually there is an important reason to start where we
did
The reason is that for the purposes of this course we
consider that ethics is firmly based in reality
It is not some theoretical series of make-believe
propositions about unknown or imaginary worlds
Ethics is above all about how we should behave in the
Real World
But this proposition is not without problems
Tim Weiskel - 16
Contest of lsquoRealitiesrsquo Simply put the question is this
Whose lsquorealityrsquo is really real
We are seeing this play out as we speakhellip
It is a election year (ldquoLet me tell you about the realities [of getting elected Wall Street of the lsquomarketplacersquo etc]helliprdquo) and
Our economy ndash the worldrsquos economy ndash is suffering a ldquorealityrdquo crunch If you donrsquot believe me just check out the discussions of the ldquoyear afterrdquo
httponpointwburorg20090914wall-street-a-year-after-lehmans-fall
Tim Weiskel - 17
Elizabeth Warren ndash running with a new
definition of realityhellip
ldquoI donrsquot think Washington gets ithellip It isnrsquot
right and itrsquos the reason I am runninghelliprdquo
Tim Weiskel - 18
A New Ethic Emerges from a New Reality
In effect people all over the world are clambering for an understanding of what is ldquoreally realrdquo hellipin order to know how they should act now today and behave from now onwardshellip
In human history new forms of morality are always forged from new concepts of reality
So it is important to dwell on reality and describe it carefully
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 9
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 10
Some people think this is a jokehellip
Tim Weiskel - 11
Tim Weiskel - 12
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 13
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 14
Further you may already have realized the fact that
that we are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 15
But for me ethics is not about metaphysics
nor about religion
Ethics is about the really real world
Actually there is an important reason to start where we
did
The reason is that for the purposes of this course we
consider that ethics is firmly based in reality
It is not some theoretical series of make-believe
propositions about unknown or imaginary worlds
Ethics is above all about how we should behave in the
Real World
But this proposition is not without problems
Tim Weiskel - 16
Contest of lsquoRealitiesrsquo Simply put the question is this
Whose lsquorealityrsquo is really real
We are seeing this play out as we speakhellip
It is a election year (ldquoLet me tell you about the realities [of getting elected Wall Street of the lsquomarketplacersquo etc]helliprdquo) and
Our economy ndash the worldrsquos economy ndash is suffering a ldquorealityrdquo crunch If you donrsquot believe me just check out the discussions of the ldquoyear afterrdquo
httponpointwburorg20090914wall-street-a-year-after-lehmans-fall
Tim Weiskel - 17
Elizabeth Warren ndash running with a new
definition of realityhellip
ldquoI donrsquot think Washington gets ithellip It isnrsquot
right and itrsquos the reason I am runninghelliprdquo
Tim Weiskel - 18
A New Ethic Emerges from a New Reality
In effect people all over the world are clambering for an understanding of what is ldquoreally realrdquo hellipin order to know how they should act now today and behave from now onwardshellip
In human history new forms of morality are always forged from new concepts of reality
So it is important to dwell on reality and describe it carefully
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
The trouble ishellip
Tim Weiskel - 10
Some people think this is a jokehellip
Tim Weiskel - 11
Tim Weiskel - 12
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 13
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 14
Further you may already have realized the fact that
that we are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 15
But for me ethics is not about metaphysics
nor about religion
Ethics is about the really real world
Actually there is an important reason to start where we
did
The reason is that for the purposes of this course we
consider that ethics is firmly based in reality
It is not some theoretical series of make-believe
propositions about unknown or imaginary worlds
Ethics is above all about how we should behave in the
Real World
But this proposition is not without problems
Tim Weiskel - 16
Contest of lsquoRealitiesrsquo Simply put the question is this
Whose lsquorealityrsquo is really real
We are seeing this play out as we speakhellip
It is a election year (ldquoLet me tell you about the realities [of getting elected Wall Street of the lsquomarketplacersquo etc]helliprdquo) and
Our economy ndash the worldrsquos economy ndash is suffering a ldquorealityrdquo crunch If you donrsquot believe me just check out the discussions of the ldquoyear afterrdquo
httponpointwburorg20090914wall-street-a-year-after-lehmans-fall
Tim Weiskel - 17
Elizabeth Warren ndash running with a new
definition of realityhellip
ldquoI donrsquot think Washington gets ithellip It isnrsquot
right and itrsquos the reason I am runninghelliprdquo
Tim Weiskel - 18
A New Ethic Emerges from a New Reality
In effect people all over the world are clambering for an understanding of what is ldquoreally realrdquo hellipin order to know how they should act now today and behave from now onwardshellip
In human history new forms of morality are always forged from new concepts of reality
So it is important to dwell on reality and describe it carefully
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Some people think this is a jokehellip
Tim Weiskel - 11
Tim Weiskel - 12
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 13
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 14
Further you may already have realized the fact that
that we are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 15
But for me ethics is not about metaphysics
nor about religion
Ethics is about the really real world
Actually there is an important reason to start where we
did
The reason is that for the purposes of this course we
consider that ethics is firmly based in reality
It is not some theoretical series of make-believe
propositions about unknown or imaginary worlds
Ethics is above all about how we should behave in the
Real World
But this proposition is not without problems
Tim Weiskel - 16
Contest of lsquoRealitiesrsquo Simply put the question is this
Whose lsquorealityrsquo is really real
We are seeing this play out as we speakhellip
It is a election year (ldquoLet me tell you about the realities [of getting elected Wall Street of the lsquomarketplacersquo etc]helliprdquo) and
Our economy ndash the worldrsquos economy ndash is suffering a ldquorealityrdquo crunch If you donrsquot believe me just check out the discussions of the ldquoyear afterrdquo
httponpointwburorg20090914wall-street-a-year-after-lehmans-fall
Tim Weiskel - 17
Elizabeth Warren ndash running with a new
definition of realityhellip
ldquoI donrsquot think Washington gets ithellip It isnrsquot
right and itrsquos the reason I am runninghelliprdquo
Tim Weiskel - 18
A New Ethic Emerges from a New Reality
In effect people all over the world are clambering for an understanding of what is ldquoreally realrdquo hellipin order to know how they should act now today and behave from now onwardshellip
In human history new forms of morality are always forged from new concepts of reality
So it is important to dwell on reality and describe it carefully
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 12
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 13
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 14
Further you may already have realized the fact that
that we are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 15
But for me ethics is not about metaphysics
nor about religion
Ethics is about the really real world
Actually there is an important reason to start where we
did
The reason is that for the purposes of this course we
consider that ethics is firmly based in reality
It is not some theoretical series of make-believe
propositions about unknown or imaginary worlds
Ethics is above all about how we should behave in the
Real World
But this proposition is not without problems
Tim Weiskel - 16
Contest of lsquoRealitiesrsquo Simply put the question is this
Whose lsquorealityrsquo is really real
We are seeing this play out as we speakhellip
It is a election year (ldquoLet me tell you about the realities [of getting elected Wall Street of the lsquomarketplacersquo etc]helliprdquo) and
Our economy ndash the worldrsquos economy ndash is suffering a ldquorealityrdquo crunch If you donrsquot believe me just check out the discussions of the ldquoyear afterrdquo
httponpointwburorg20090914wall-street-a-year-after-lehmans-fall
Tim Weiskel - 17
Elizabeth Warren ndash running with a new
definition of realityhellip
ldquoI donrsquot think Washington gets ithellip It isnrsquot
right and itrsquos the reason I am runninghelliprdquo
Tim Weiskel - 18
A New Ethic Emerges from a New Reality
In effect people all over the world are clambering for an understanding of what is ldquoreally realrdquo hellipin order to know how they should act now today and behave from now onwardshellip
In human history new forms of morality are always forged from new concepts of reality
So it is important to dwell on reality and describe it carefully
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 13
But it is NOT a joke We are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 14
Further you may already have realized the fact that
that we are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 15
But for me ethics is not about metaphysics
nor about religion
Ethics is about the really real world
Actually there is an important reason to start where we
did
The reason is that for the purposes of this course we
consider that ethics is firmly based in reality
It is not some theoretical series of make-believe
propositions about unknown or imaginary worlds
Ethics is above all about how we should behave in the
Real World
But this proposition is not without problems
Tim Weiskel - 16
Contest of lsquoRealitiesrsquo Simply put the question is this
Whose lsquorealityrsquo is really real
We are seeing this play out as we speakhellip
It is a election year (ldquoLet me tell you about the realities [of getting elected Wall Street of the lsquomarketplacersquo etc]helliprdquo) and
Our economy ndash the worldrsquos economy ndash is suffering a ldquorealityrdquo crunch If you donrsquot believe me just check out the discussions of the ldquoyear afterrdquo
httponpointwburorg20090914wall-street-a-year-after-lehmans-fall
Tim Weiskel - 17
Elizabeth Warren ndash running with a new
definition of realityhellip
ldquoI donrsquot think Washington gets ithellip It isnrsquot
right and itrsquos the reason I am runninghelliprdquo
Tim Weiskel - 18
A New Ethic Emerges from a New Reality
In effect people all over the world are clambering for an understanding of what is ldquoreally realrdquo hellipin order to know how they should act now today and behave from now onwardshellip
In human history new forms of morality are always forged from new concepts of reality
So it is important to dwell on reality and describe it carefully
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 14
Further you may already have realized the fact that
that we are all really in much more immediate
troublehellippotentially of our own makinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 15
But for me ethics is not about metaphysics
nor about religion
Ethics is about the really real world
Actually there is an important reason to start where we
did
The reason is that for the purposes of this course we
consider that ethics is firmly based in reality
It is not some theoretical series of make-believe
propositions about unknown or imaginary worlds
Ethics is above all about how we should behave in the
Real World
But this proposition is not without problems
Tim Weiskel - 16
Contest of lsquoRealitiesrsquo Simply put the question is this
Whose lsquorealityrsquo is really real
We are seeing this play out as we speakhellip
It is a election year (ldquoLet me tell you about the realities [of getting elected Wall Street of the lsquomarketplacersquo etc]helliprdquo) and
Our economy ndash the worldrsquos economy ndash is suffering a ldquorealityrdquo crunch If you donrsquot believe me just check out the discussions of the ldquoyear afterrdquo
httponpointwburorg20090914wall-street-a-year-after-lehmans-fall
Tim Weiskel - 17
Elizabeth Warren ndash running with a new
definition of realityhellip
ldquoI donrsquot think Washington gets ithellip It isnrsquot
right and itrsquos the reason I am runninghelliprdquo
Tim Weiskel - 18
A New Ethic Emerges from a New Reality
In effect people all over the world are clambering for an understanding of what is ldquoreally realrdquo hellipin order to know how they should act now today and behave from now onwardshellip
In human history new forms of morality are always forged from new concepts of reality
So it is important to dwell on reality and describe it carefully
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 15
But for me ethics is not about metaphysics
nor about religion
Ethics is about the really real world
Actually there is an important reason to start where we
did
The reason is that for the purposes of this course we
consider that ethics is firmly based in reality
It is not some theoretical series of make-believe
propositions about unknown or imaginary worlds
Ethics is above all about how we should behave in the
Real World
But this proposition is not without problems
Tim Weiskel - 16
Contest of lsquoRealitiesrsquo Simply put the question is this
Whose lsquorealityrsquo is really real
We are seeing this play out as we speakhellip
It is a election year (ldquoLet me tell you about the realities [of getting elected Wall Street of the lsquomarketplacersquo etc]helliprdquo) and
Our economy ndash the worldrsquos economy ndash is suffering a ldquorealityrdquo crunch If you donrsquot believe me just check out the discussions of the ldquoyear afterrdquo
httponpointwburorg20090914wall-street-a-year-after-lehmans-fall
Tim Weiskel - 17
Elizabeth Warren ndash running with a new
definition of realityhellip
ldquoI donrsquot think Washington gets ithellip It isnrsquot
right and itrsquos the reason I am runninghelliprdquo
Tim Weiskel - 18
A New Ethic Emerges from a New Reality
In effect people all over the world are clambering for an understanding of what is ldquoreally realrdquo hellipin order to know how they should act now today and behave from now onwardshellip
In human history new forms of morality are always forged from new concepts of reality
So it is important to dwell on reality and describe it carefully
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 16
Contest of lsquoRealitiesrsquo Simply put the question is this
Whose lsquorealityrsquo is really real
We are seeing this play out as we speakhellip
It is a election year (ldquoLet me tell you about the realities [of getting elected Wall Street of the lsquomarketplacersquo etc]helliprdquo) and
Our economy ndash the worldrsquos economy ndash is suffering a ldquorealityrdquo crunch If you donrsquot believe me just check out the discussions of the ldquoyear afterrdquo
httponpointwburorg20090914wall-street-a-year-after-lehmans-fall
Tim Weiskel - 17
Elizabeth Warren ndash running with a new
definition of realityhellip
ldquoI donrsquot think Washington gets ithellip It isnrsquot
right and itrsquos the reason I am runninghelliprdquo
Tim Weiskel - 18
A New Ethic Emerges from a New Reality
In effect people all over the world are clambering for an understanding of what is ldquoreally realrdquo hellipin order to know how they should act now today and behave from now onwardshellip
In human history new forms of morality are always forged from new concepts of reality
So it is important to dwell on reality and describe it carefully
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 17
Elizabeth Warren ndash running with a new
definition of realityhellip
ldquoI donrsquot think Washington gets ithellip It isnrsquot
right and itrsquos the reason I am runninghelliprdquo
Tim Weiskel - 18
A New Ethic Emerges from a New Reality
In effect people all over the world are clambering for an understanding of what is ldquoreally realrdquo hellipin order to know how they should act now today and behave from now onwardshellip
In human history new forms of morality are always forged from new concepts of reality
So it is important to dwell on reality and describe it carefully
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 18
A New Ethic Emerges from a New Reality
In effect people all over the world are clambering for an understanding of what is ldquoreally realrdquo hellipin order to know how they should act now today and behave from now onwardshellip
In human history new forms of morality are always forged from new concepts of reality
So it is important to dwell on reality and describe it carefully
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 19
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
In this context we should perhaps remember that for the known universe and for life as we know it several simple things apply
If it canrsquot happenhellip
hellipit wonrsquot happen
If it did happen hellip
hellipit can happen
If it can happenhellip
hellipit might happen Of course we should always keep in mind
Donald Rumsfeldrsquos famous words of wisdom
ldquohellipand then there are unknown unknownshelliprdquo
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 20
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 21
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 22
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 23
some simple observations about life
in the known universe
From our first two classes you have already learnedhellip
We live in a universe governed by the first and second laws
of thermodynamics
Humans do not produce food ndash plants do (Therefore ratios
of trophic levels are important)
We do not produce oil coal or natural gas and are already
a solar civilization (But we do not realize it mistaking a
non-renewable for something with endless availability in
general beware of ldquothanks to sciencehelliprdquo arguments)
We are not set apart from the rest of nature or evolution but
rather a part of it (We need to understand and learn to
respect its laws if we expect to be part of the evolutionary
species mix for very much longer)
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
We have made gadgets
to explore our near
neighbors
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
We have even
managed to land on
some and have a
look aroundhellip
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Wersquove done
there pretty
much what we
have done at
ldquohomehelliprdquo
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
But how much do we know
about living sustainably on the
only inhabitable spaceship in the
known universehellip
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
At the very least we should have learned from our space
travel to turn our instruments on the ldquospaceshiprdquo itself and
check out its changing conditionshellip
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
When wersquove
tried to
measure the
changes in the
ldquowhiterdquo areas
the news has
been very
alarminghellip
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
httpwwwnasagovmpg190443main_yearly_compositempg
httpmfileakamaicom18566wmvetouchsyst2downloadakamaicom18355wmnasa-
globalenvironmentyearly_composite2asx
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20080926-YouTube-NOAA-Arctic-Icehtm
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2007-ENVRE130Video20070924-UNWebcast-Al-
Gore-time-to-acthtm
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=036281ampend=040135
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
httpwebcastunorgramgenondemandspecialevents2007luncheon070924rmstart
=054492ampend=055322
What are this gentlemanrsquos implicit theories of Community System Authority Change Agency and Time
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
What should our operative ldquotheoriesrdquo be in light of all
we have come to know about where we live
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
We can begin our reflections on ethical reasoning then with a simple question
Have the last 50 years of human history ndash with all the expanding knowledge we have acquired in this time frame about our place in the universe -- helped us to develop an environmental ethic sufficient to enable us to survive on this blue jewel planet
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Basic argument of this course
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
If we want to survive we
should not design our ethical
systems to contradict
natural systems
Basic argument of this course
We need to situate our
discussion of environmental
ethics ndash the principles of
choice in an ecosystem --
within the context of the
system in which we operate
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Even the casual observer can see evidence of
patterned activity ndash that is non-random events that
have left their mark on our environmenthellip
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Even when we canrsquot ldquoseerdquo the evidence we are learning that it is there and that we can learn about that evidence if we extend our scientific gaze
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Thus we are learning about life-
transforming events in Earthrsquos history
that occurred that are not immediately
visible to the naked-eyehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 41
So we have reminded
ourselves that Earth and the life
forms that have emerged on
Earth have been shaped by
cosmic events
Further these cosmic events
continue to occur and ldquoframerdquo
all we undertake as humans
In short in the ecosystem some
very important things remain
beyond human control They
always have been remain now
and always will be beyond our
control
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 42
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 43
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 44
Considering the
larger cosmic
context we have
learned that life
systems may not
be confined to
Earthhellip
In fact they may
not have
originated ldquohererdquo
on Earth
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 45
Further we have learned
that not all life systems
need to be based on
carbon just because ldquolife
as we know itrdquo on the
Earthrsquos surface is based on
carbon
Non-carbon-based life
forms may exist elsewhere
because we know they
exist in remote regions of
Earth itself
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 46
The Notion of Causality
In addition we have observed that notions of
simple causality do not really work very well in a
complex ecosystem
Simple causality implies that there is a linear
relationship between cause and effect
A ldquocausesrdquo B
therefore if ldquoBrdquo then there must be a prior
causal ldquoArdquo
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 47
But what about complex systems with positive
feedback loops This is the real world we live in
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 48
system
exists
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 49
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 50
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 51
system
exists
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 52
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 53
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 54
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 55
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 56
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 57
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 58
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 59
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 60
system
exists
within
a larger
system
within
a larger
system
How can we locate causality in lsquonon-linearrsquo systems
Causality is
bull nested
bull reciprocal
bull and cumulative
sunlight
heat
hellip in an overall
system governed
by the first and
second laws of
thermodynamics
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 61
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 62
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 63
So with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse
is also true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over
time life forms can also alter
geology Our atmosphere is the
result of the waste of bacteria
The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are rock
that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 64
And we are learning
that changes in behavior
of some species can
lead to changes in the
larger systems of which
they are a parthellip
Consider for example
the wolf in Yellowstone
National Parkhellip
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 65
Furthermore change
of land use over time
over time may -- in
turn -- change
climate in some
measurable ways
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 66
Clearly humans also alter
ecosystems and geological
systems when they decide
to devise policies like those
to eliminate or re-introduce
the wolf in the Yellowston
National Park
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 67
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
In fact human
behavior has been an
increasingly
important lsquogeological
forcersquo altering land
water and air
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 68
Human behavior has been an
increasingly important
lsquogeological forcersquo altering
land water and air
But all human activity
operates within the ldquolaws of
naturerdquo
(On this issue among others
some of our leadership -- both
corporate and governmental ndash
is sadly mis-informed)
Humans behave as a major ldquoGeological Forcerdquo in
other ways as well
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 69
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The
Guardian - UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 70
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 71
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 72
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 73
Laws of Thermodynamics Govern the Known Universe
First Law
Energy is neither created nor destroyed it changes form from one form into another
Second Law
In spontaneous transformations energy moves from more highly organized forms to less organized forms That is for example from the high energy wave lengths of light to the dissipated long wave lengths of heat
Thus all ldquoworkrdquo in the system requires the dissipative expenditure of energy This is the ldquono free lunch principlerdquo of the universe
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 74
Where are we located in the trophic structure of this system
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species --
in the circulation of materials and the flow of energy
Where are we in the web of life on earth
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 75
Where are we in the continuum of life-forms
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 76
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 77
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 78
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 79
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 80
Naturalists have been
warning scientists for
quite some time about
the ldquobiodiversity crisisrdquo
The ldquolossrdquo destruction
or displacement of
biodiversity appears to
be taking place on the
scale of a ldquogeological
extinction eventrdquo ndash
comparable in scope
and scale to those
witnessed before in
Earthrsquos history
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 81
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise
further (perhaps
embarrassing or
revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 82
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to
sustain them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 84
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 85
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 86
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 87
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 89
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 90
But our basic problem is thathellip
wersquove lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many of our
leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight about
our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 98
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 100
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 101
No amount of genetic engineering will
address the ethical problem of limit posed by
the most recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Tim Weiskel - 102
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 105
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 106
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind
and heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can
prepare you for the paradigm shifts that you
will have to undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 107
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 108
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for
something you can fall for
anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 109
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2014
Elements of Ethical Reasoning An Anthropologistrsquos Approach
Class Session 3
16 September 2014
