Can we push the Earth too far?

Gaia Hypothesis (at least in my interpretation) seems to imply that the Earth is a resilient system and will maintain its homeostasis --though life might be uncomfortable for humans in the mean time, the planet will go on.

However, a recent article in Nature makes one think.

Earth is outside of Safe Operating Space.

"We are on the verge of pushing nature into a state of instability like nothing humanity has seen before, according to a study published in the journal Nature.

The study, which attempted for the first time to come up with real numbers for a set of conditions beyond which Earth may not be able to recover, found that we may have already crossed several tipping points."

Image from NASA Visible Earth

Kurzweil and the Future of "Nature"

"The Nature Of Humanity Is To Change Nature" Singularian Ray Kurzweil definitely has a unique perspective on technology and nature. Here is a link to a recent interview by the Guardian (reported by the IO9 blog):

RK notes: "The form of opposition from fundamentalist humanists, and fundamentalist naturalists – that we should make no change to nature [or] to human beings – is directly contrary to the nature of human beings, because we are the species that goes beyond our limitations..."

By 2040 you will be able to upload your brain...

Image by otzinoz

Objectivism and the Environment

Dr. Bill Chameides, Dean of Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment, discusses the relationship between conservative political ideology and views on the environment and science. He also considers the legacy of Ayn Rand and Objectivism.

Read Dr. Chameides' post in the Green Grok.

A unique perspective on Rand and Objectivism is explained on Max Gladwell, a really slick blog that describes itself as "EcoLibertarian." Who is Max Gladwell? is worth a read.

How to Save Endangered Tigers: Kill Them?

This video story by John Stossel gives an excellent example of a free market environmentalist perspective. It even has an interview with PERC and Conservation International, two organizations we've already covered this year.





Photo from somenametoforget