Keynote speakers Vachana

- Background: 

  - Transitioned from biology to mathematics and physics due to a dislike for dissection (didn't like chopping up cockroaches).

  - Earned a postgraduate degree in 1979 from the University of Ontario, noting a lack of environmentalists at the time.

- Philosophy:

  - Emphasizes the intrinsic connection between humans and nature, arguing against the notion of human exceptionalism.

  - Advocates for a participatory community approach to merge theory and practice in environmental conservation.

  - Stresses the importance of infrastructure that supports life and regenerates the earth, rather than exploiting it for profit.

-“I live far from nature” is a myth- As long as you eat, and breathe, you live in nature. We are connected with a flow. Life is a flow- nourishment of the soil, nourishment of the plant, and your nourishment.

- Environmental Impact:

  - Highlights the detrimental effects of fertilizers and pesticides, derived from wartime chemicals, on biodiversity and soil health.

  - Discusses the role of oil in agriculture and its contribution to climate change and health issues through the use of artificial fertilizers and plastic pollution.

  - Points out the significant role of the gut microbiome in human health, influenced by the quality of food and its production methods.

- Books and Movements:

  - Authored “Climate Change and the Future of Food” and “Soil, Not Oil.”

  - Inspired by ecological disasters in 1984, led to involvement in the Narmada and Chipko movements.

  - Critiques the Green Revolution and its aftermath, calling for a reevaluation of agricultural practices.

- Scientific Perspective:

  - Discusses the shift from quantum theory to ecology, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the concept of non-locality in quantum theory.

  - Addresses the metabolic disorder of the atmosphere as a symptom of an oil-based system, advocating for a living system perspective to address climate change.

- Philosophical Insights:

  - Critiques historical figures like Francis Bacon and Robert Boyle for their exploitative views towards nature.

  - Encourages a shift in thinking towards co-creation with nature, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and photosynthesis in maintaining ecological balance.

- Cultural and Social Commentary:

  - Highlights the influence of language and media in shaping public perception and understanding of environmental issues.

  - Suggests that the current state of media as corporate-driven detracts from genuine journalistic creativity and its role in social change.

Recommendations:

Rachel Carson and the Wonders of Nature

By encapsulating the interconnectedness of life, the detrimental impact of industrial practices, and the potential for a shift towards more sustainable and respectful interactions with our environment, these notes summarize key insights and arguments presented in the original text.

Wildlife Conservation Notes

Definition and Scope

- Focuses on terrestrial free-ranging vertebrates: reptiles, birds, and mammals.

- Excludes general wildlife biodiversity.

Core Elements of Conservation

1. Addressing the use of wildlife for human consumption.

2. Managing wildlife populations effectively.

3. Eradicating species that threaten other wildlife.

Perspectives in Conservation

- There is a dichotomy between science-based and sentiment-based approaches, with passion often overshadowing pragmatism.

- Advocates for an engineering approach, emphasizing the role of science in solving conservation problems.

Misconceptions in Conservation

- Conservation prioritizes rarity and endangered species.

- Hostility from local communities can hinder conservation efforts.

- The need to align conservation models with empirical data.

Unrecognized Threats

- Agriculture: Post-Independence, there was a significant increase in land used for agriculture.

- Domestication: Starting about 10,000 years ago, leading to humans and a few domesticated species dominating Earth's biomass.

Sustainability and Human Impact

- Questioning how to compensate for what we withdraw from nature.

- The bio-physical environment's role in human development.

- Promoting a sustainable landscape approach where certain forms of agriculture can coexist with conservation.

- Addressing human impact without attributing it solely to population growth.

Debates and Solutions

- Between sustainability optimists and population control proponents.

- Emphasizes the need for a scientific approach to solving environmental problems, stating "Science is not a cultural construct."

- Agriculture is seen as a significant threat, but inefficiencies can be overcome with innovative solutions like gene-editing.

Challenges

- Resistance to genetic engineering in agriculture from farmer's movements.

- The significant space occupied by energy production and consumption.

Conclusion

- A balanced, science-driven approach is essential for effective wildlife conservation and addressing the broader environmental challenges.

 Environmentalism, Society, and the Role of Art

Indian Environmentalism and Social Constructs:

- Caste-blind nature of Indian environmentalism challenges the understanding of nature, suggesting our perceptions are influenced by the caste systems we belong to.

- Eco-casteism rationalizes caste as natural and as a key factor in ecological development.

Theoretical Perspectives:

- Raymond Williams emphasizes the essential character and quality of something.

- Donna Haraway discusses the inseparable relationship between nature and culture, suggesting it is actively formed.

- The concept of nature is a means through which humanity reconsiders its differences and specificities, linking race and nature as terrains of power.

Critical Views and Anthropocene:

- Critique of Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" for its questioning of science.

- The Anthropocene era highlights the impact of climate change and landscape transformation, urging a move beyond science for its own sake towards a more integrated approach where art and science are seen as political.

- Emphasizes the importance of including vernacular languages in research to make knowledge accessible and engaging.

The Power of Expression and Communication:

- The need for emotional, passionate writing in academia to influence and communicate effectively.

- Art's role in speaking truth to power, combining fact and emotion to address social inequalities and environmental injustices.

- The significance of sociological imagination in understanding societal issues within broader contexts.

Environmental Injustice and the Role of Art:

- Highlights environmental injustices, particularly in regions like the Himalayas and Bangalore, and the role of legislation, judiciary, and art in addressing these issues.

- The importance of powerful visuals and documentaries in communicating complex ideas to the general public.

Technological Impact and Future Directions:

- Discussion on the Technosphere and Capitalocene, highlighting the disproportionate exploitation of natural resources and the potential ecological disasters from over-dependence on technology.

- The role of technology in shaping the earth's geology, chemistry, and biology, and the need for sustainable practices.

The Arts, Literature, and Environmental Awareness:

- Encourages the use of art to make individuals uncomfortable and provoke thought about environmental and social issues.

- Mentions significant works like Toni Morrison's literature, emphasizing the power of language and storytelling in conveying profound messages about life and dignity.

Conclusion:

 The text underscores the interconnectedness of environmental issues with social constructs like caste, race, and class, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach that includes the arts, science, and passionate communication to address these challenges. It highlights the need for a deeper understanding and action towards achieving environmental justice and sustainability.