Alexandra Steed FLI argues that to stay within our planetary boundaries, a broader, more holistic landscape perspective of earth’s systems is required.
“We stand now where two roads diverge. But unlike the roads in Robert Frost’s familiar poem, they are not equally fair. The road we have long been travelling is deceptively easy, a smooth superhighway on which we progress with great speed, but at its end lies disaster. The other fork of the road—the one ‘less travelled by’—offers our last, our only chance to reach a destination that assures the preservation of the earth. The choice, after all, is ours to make.”
These words, from environmentalist Rachel Carson, offer a profound observation about the diverging roads humanity faces. Her words, echoing the urgency of our current environmental crisis, set the stage for a critical examination of the choices before us. As we stand at this pivotal moment, the road we choose will determine the fate of our planet.
In the prevailing paradigm, the land is often viewed solely through an economic lens—as a problem to be solved, an obstacle to be overcome, and a resource to be exploited. This perspective sees the land as something to be controlled, manipulated, and subdued for human benefit. However, this approach has led us to the brink of environmental catastrophe.
There is an alternative road frequently overlooked—the scenic route. This route embraces the contours of the landscape, appreciates its intrinsic beauty, and harnesses its natural attributes. By taking the scenic route, we unlock vistas, discover the precious gifts of the land, and optimise the experience of our journey.
To make an informed choice about which road to take, we must understand both options. It is crucial to be well-informed about the facts and comprehend the advantages and disadvantages of each way. To assist in this decision-making process, we must highlight the stark environmental challenges that have intensified since Rachel Carson’s groundbreaking book, “Silent Spring”, and ensure we live within the planetary limits that ensure a safe and hospitable environment for human survival. These limits, including climate change, ocean acidity, chemical pollution and land system change, define the boundaries within which humanity can safely operate – crossing them increases the risk of triggering large-scale abrupt or irreversible environmental changes.
One of the most promising paths forward is through nature-based solutions. By harnessing the extraordinary capabilities of nature, humanity can choose to transform environmental crises into life-changing opportunities. Nature-based solutions involve working with nature to address societal challenges, providing benefits for both human well-being and biodiversity.
Nature provides us with a constellation of beneficial processes and systems that support life and regulate the planet. These “gifts of nature” are often referred to as ecosystem services and include provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural functions. Carbon sinks are a critical component of these services, absorbing and storing carbon from the atmosphere.
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- Forests: Global forests absorb roughly 2.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, with the Amazon Rainforest capturing a quarter of that total. However, deforestation and land conversion for agriculture threaten these vital carbon sinks.
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- Soils: Soils are unsung heroes in carbon capture, absorbing approximately a quarter of all carbon emissions each year and storing it underground for thousands of years. However, agricultural expansion and land disruption release this stored carbon back into the atmosphere.
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- Oceans: Oceans capture 90 percent of excess heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions and absorb approximately one-quarter of all CO2. They play a vital role in regulating the planet’s temperature and creating half of the oxygen in the atmosphere.
Protecting, restoring, and enhancing these carbon sinks through nature-based solutions is essential for mitigating climate change. Strategies include transitioning to sustainable forestry and agriculture, restoring ecosystems, and safeguarding intact wild places. By leveraging the incredible processes of nature, we can correct environmental imbalances and promote a healthier planet.
The reality of climate change underscores the urgent need to improve land health and support natural processes and systems, enabling landscapes to withstand the increasing burden. By doing so, we can enhance the lives of both humans and nature.
As Carson aptly observed, “The choice, after all, is ours to make.” We must decide whether to continue on the current path of exploitation and destruction or to embark on the scenic route that leads to preservation and restoration. By embracing a landscape mindset, appreciating the intrinsic beauty of the land, and harnessing nature’s capabilities, we can create a sustainable and regenerative future.
