Einstein said once: "You cannot solve a problem from the same consciousness that created it. You must learn to see the world anew."
The world has a big, serious problem right now, and it's so big that it doesn't have a single name. There are names for aspects of it. Some talk about climate change. Some talk about fossil fuel depletion. Those that see how big the problem is may tell you that we are reaching the limits to growth on our planet, and relate it to population figures, inequality, ecological imbalances... If you have read Blessed Unrest by Paul Hawken, you have a rough idea of how big the whole issue is.
Many have noticed that you need a different mindset to deal with these problems. Many agree that some kind of collective action is needed to deal with them.
But you don't see very often a coherent framework, some place that helps you understand the theory, see how socio-ecosystems work, and apply that knowledge to your day-to-day actions when you are trying to find local solutions to the global problem.
This site is an attempt to provide that coherent framework. It will need your input to grow, especially your questions and showcases of your successful results.
Why do I call it ecological transition? Several reasons:
- I had to choose something. It's kind of hard to talk about things that don't have a name!
- I think "ecological transition" is the best way to define the state of the world right now. Of course, the world is always changing, but at this particular point, the whole ecology of the planet is at a bifurcation point: we either figure out how to keep it within reasonable limits compatible with civilization and without any dramatic loss of human life, or we don't. Either way, it's going to be an ecological transition.
- "Ecological transition" is a technical term in ecology, that refers to either an ecotone (ecological transition zone, known to laymen as a "fringe", where the most interesting stuff happens), or a move to a different ecosystem. Both seem to apply to the idea of moving towards a sustainable world.
- It's a nod to the Transition Towns movement, that I was involved in for quite a while.
- It lends itself to funky abbreviations, like EcoT. Well, I like that one!
On the early days, it's going to be a bit difficult for visitors to see which things I see as part of what I'm attempting to do here, and which things are out of scope. I'm not trying to explain the whole world here, only big chunks of it! Please be patient with me, and don't get too upset if your favorite subject never comes up.
As a general guide, ecological transition IS:
- A way of understanding ecology and society
- A collection of practical recipes to help collectives make the world more sustainable
- Focused on general solutions that can be applied in many places and circumstances, rather than very specific ones
- Focused on solutions for cities, rather than eco-villages or individuals
- Public domain - you can use this information in any way you like, and you don't need even to give any credit to this site.
Ecological transition IS NOT:
- An organization or political movement
- A guide for individuals - it's mostly focused on collective action
- A fixed set of knowledge or a brand name - you can use the term if you like it, and you can expand on the ideas here in any way you find worthwhile.
Ecological transition MIGHT BECOME at some point in the future:
- Some kind of social movement (like feminism, or open source, or your favorite ideology)
- Some kind of certification (like fairtrade)
Don't forget, this will need your input. Without it, there is absolutely no point in it. Please send in your questions, showcase what you are proud of, and help it be something worth sharing.
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