Hannovers Principles

How do we make sustainability more attainable, and both less conversational and less polarizing?

Differences in perspectives exist everywhere, and can often make coming to a middle ground seem impossible. Given the attention environmental protection policy in the United States has gotten recently, and the controversiality of a subject matter that sustains all of life, solutions this complex seem distant to many.

Environmental protection and regulation has again become a hot topic in the hearts and minds of people, especially in America, where people feel strongly on either side. The current administration is acting in a way that is dangerous and defiant to the scientific consensus regarding climate change, which should rightfully be considered a national threat to security.

As an individual who cares deeply about a healthy environment, and as a student who has declared a major in Urban Ecology because of my desire to protect both people and the planet, I often find it difficult to understand how people seemingly don't care about the Earth. Of course, I could take that to the extreme and state that they don't care about their children and grandchildren's wellbeing, but hey, this blog post is about meeting in the middle, right?

People who claim that they don't "believe" in global warming or climate change are those that aren't scientifically literate, because it is not something that you can argue anymore. Sure, you can ask questions of different studies, and how they came to their conclusions, but the dismissal of global warming, or climate change is naive, especially with such a strong scientific consensus.

To understand the extent to which the planet is suffering can be a mental and emotional burden, but for many it is physical as well.  By this I mean that people's physical well being is already suffering from environmental degradation. Our chances of having abundant clean air, clean water and simple means for survival in the future are being stomped on by today's industry, and as I mentioned, are already impacting some people today.

Our industrial societies and their mass production of waste, pollution, and greenhouse gases are a monster in and of themselves. But, these things can change if progressive policy and monetary incentives are used to mitigate human impact, and cool the atmosphere. The real monster in the race to save the climate (or the Race Against Extinction TM) is both human inaction and destruction.

With a truth that is self evident to every creed, every class, every religion, and every country, our planet is the only thing we've got.

Wouldn't it make sense to be guided in policy decisions, lifestyle choices, and cultural strong holdings to celebrate our connection to this planet?

This is where I see the difference, this is where I see hope that the many sides can and will meet in the middle. 

Our reliance on the Earth is something that can only be embraced, which guides me to believe that environmental protection and conservation will prevail in popular politics and lifestyle choices. Although it may be surprising that we don't already have strong bipartisan efforts to protect the planet, I have faith that we will shift our actions to consider ecological health in the future.

If we continue the trajectory we are currently on, we will still be forced to reevaluate our lifestyles by unforeseen changes in climate and toxicity of our vital resources, such as clean air, water, and food. Our societies will have to adjust and evolve to cope with these impacts, namely our waste streams, pollution discharges, and the destruction of keystone species' habitats.

Our urban systems and ways of life have two options: one being that we can prepare and plan for resiliency while mitigating current environmental infringement,  or two, we can wait until our lifestyles, such as we live today, can no longer be carried out. The second option will force us into shifts in systems that may be shocking and hard to adjust to. It may desert cities that are dependent on external water and food sources, which may cause serious conflict, no matter where the state or country's borders are. As we have witnessed already, places on each continent are already experiencing climate change impact, be it in a shorter ski season resulting in economic downfall for a community, or a drought putting food production and human lives at risk.  If you don't believe me, click here for a brief slideshow of evidence brought to you by Scientific America.

As we move forward, into an age of technological revolutions around every corner, we must ensure that people don't lose their connections to the planet. We must teach people the importance of ecological health, and how our lives can make a positive impact, rather than a negative one.

With an issue as complex and multifaceted as sustainability, it is imperative that we begin by at least educating our society, especially our kids, in a way that will create communities of ecological sensibility and understanding. We need to incentivize solar energy, water conservation, and purchasing local grown foods to help streamline people towards what a sustainable livelihood means.

The Paris Climate Agreement was a feat for environmentalists around the globe, but it is only a small step towards a brighter future. It is fantastic that nations around the globe recognize the threat of climate change, and are actively working towards building societies that offset their carbon footprint, and promote the application of sustainable practices, but is just the beginning of a sustainable revolution. In consideration of the United States threat to pull from this agreement, we don't have time to waste. We must act within our local and state governments to push for ecological responsibility, your voice is needed, and mine too; we can't be passive and trusting that things will sort themselves out in good time, its time to act. The threats are too great to take lightly, and these changes must be pushed for at a hyperlocal level.

We are all responsible for helping to create a culture of sustainability.  

This is not a subject matter that  can divide us any longer, especially when it may be the only true thing that connects us; not only to each other, but to everything else we've ever known. 

May we not give up the good fight.

 May we all dig deeper, may our knuckles turn white and our eyes burn bright with the undying love we have for our Earth. 

Hear Us Roar

When you become wrapped up in trying to understanding global climate change due to human impact it can be overwhelming and disheartening.

I remember in fifth grade my teacher told us that scientists suspected human impact could cause a warming of the Earth's atmosphere. She explained that the scientists didn't know for sure yet, and that many were working hard to study the relationships between human industry, ecosystem health, and global temperatures.

This was my first introduction to what is now one of my deepest fears. As a college student who now understands the unequivocal fact that human activity and industry impacts the Earth in many, many ways, it is extremely frustrating to see the easy dismissal some people have of the subject matter.

When I was younger I wasn't scientifically literate, but I did have common sense. When the younger version of me tried to picture how big the world was, I couldn't quite fathom its scale, I knew it was beyond my comprehension. However, I could imagine just how many people were living and breathing....and driving cars.

Coupled with my fifth grade teacher's explanation of the "global warming hypothesis" and how gases from cars and factories trap heat in our atmosphere, and knowing just how many people drive cars and rely of factories for energy and material things, I immediately fathomed the merit that these scientists had.

It is as frustrating as ever now, to have been wrapping my mind around this phenomenon for most of my life and to see very little by means of progress regarding mitigation of CO2, the transition to cleaner energy, or planning for resilience.

By saying this I am not discrediting the multitude of efforts made around the globe to do these things, but I do mean to harshly criticize the efforts set forth in the United States.

We need voices to speak for environmental justice, not doing so should be considered a threat to our National security.

After spending time reading the current state of affairs regarding the radical depletion of federal funding for the Environmental Protective Agency one can be utterly ticked off (this is a technical term).

Rather than feeling discouraged and apathetic, it is imperative that we proactively harness this anger and frustration in our own communities, state and local governments, and perhaps most importantly, in our conversations.

We know that people power is the greatest strength a nation has, we know that the only way to create changes is to work together, and we know that the time is now.

There is no time to waste, we cannot, cannot, I repeat CANNOT be silent. If we fall into thinking that things will take care of themselves in the future, we may be sacrificing the health of people yet to be born, and even our own health down the road. We must be agents of change, and perhaps our greatest weapon is our voices both individually and collectively.

As the climate science consensus shows, we don't have time to waste.

Perhaps we need to understand what inspires us to speak in order to

We can ride off the wake of the inspirational energy we feel from people that have created positive changes in their communities, in their governments, and in their own lives. Drawing from the success of others to help us fight for more victories regarding both environmental and social justice, as they are inextricably liked, will help us pave way for a sustainable future.

It is easy to feel like your voice is too small, and that the noise around you drowns you out (por ejemplo, the Trump Administration), but none the less we still have immense power.


After all, the idea of a sustainable future has to be met with a generation that embodies the culture of stewardship. Shifting cultural values as a society can take a millennia, but seeing that we live in unprecedented times where information and technology are rapidly altering our ways of life already, this is reason enough to have a bit of faith or hope that humanity will recognize the importance of valuing the Earth. Many see the Earth as a means of something abundant to exploit and develop, which seems to be the dominant cultural value (at least here in America). When we fail to respect the ecosystem services provided to communities across the world, we won't actively work to protect and conserve them.

When an individual becomes aware of the intrinsic value of wetlands, per say, and understands the significance of its functionality to a human society, many feel inclined to share their knowledge in hopes of protecting these places.

Using your voice as a means to guide the thought and action of others in a way that benefits humanity is never something you should hold back.

Sometimes it takes a great deal of time and effort to fine tune your voice to a specific audience, however, you'll never be confident in expressing your stance on ecological security if you never start speaking your piece.

For some of us that means casual dialogue with friends, or parents with differing views, or raising your hand during a class to bring up an environmental risk or hazard, while others prefer writing poems or even typing Facebook posts and comments.

No matter where you start, just remember that your voice can carry far. People who were once "nobodies" have created legacies and projects that will outlast their lifespan, and will inspire others to do the same.

Let yourself be inspired by these stories and their voices to use your own.

Together we will be heard, and together we can cultivate a culture of sustainability.

Survival----> Thrival: Communities of Diversity

Despite the many differences in customs and human behavior cross culturally, people ultimately share the need for a roof over their heads. 

From the Masaai tribes in Eastern Africa with their clay, straw huts, to the urbanites of the developed world with sky scrapers and apartment complexes; we can see commonality. People thrive in community, though benefits can vary from group to group, collaboration and communication between people opens the gates for people to trade, survive, play, and create together. 

In the past, dominant, hegemonic groups have had survivalist attitude when it comes to thriving communities. This attitudes typically means eradicating the competition, and doing all you can to support your own community. This can look like battling for resources, or sabotaging an undesirable counterpart.

In today's world, we are witnessing a greater mix of people, our interconnectedness is unprecedented. Our survival is no longer dependent on only one group, our survival is contingent on how we can coexist, and our abilities to trade, to collaborate, and to unite in trying times.

For many, the challenge to secure financial stability is insurmountable. For whatever reason, be it disability, addiction, seeking refuge in a new country, or drowning debt, millions of people suffer from hovering just around or below the "poverty line." These circumstances mean regularly questioning the availability of a roof over your head, or food in your stomach, amongst other things. 

Are these people deserving of their situations? Perhaps, but many are not. 

Do children deserve to have a roof over their head? Always.

Should my neighbor have food on their plate? Yes. 

As a member of a participatory society, it is vital that we ask ourselves how we can enhance our communities, as well as the lives of the individuals that make them, and the environment that surrounds us. 

Recent studies have shown that affordable housing projects have led to significant boosts in local economies, as well as large reduction in crimes rates...

Funny, huh? Perhaps if we give people the physical foundation they need, their lives can truly take off, as well as a society at large.

Now,

Lets take a closer look at three different affordable housing developments and their successes: 

Little Ajax Affordable Housing - 

What used to an abysmal, retired mining site has turned into an ecologically sound affordable housing development in Aspen, Colorado. With 14 housing units per acre, this project has created housing in a way that conserves energy, water, land, and material. This development is situated by public transit opportunities, and has integrated a path that connects to Aspen's trail network. Not only does this beautifully constructed undertaking fit the natural landscape, it is designed to both benefit from it while mitigating its impact on it. Through the use of native plants to conserve irrigated water, storm drain systems to reduce pollutants in run off, and buildings constructed to absorb the Sun's heat, while utilizing the radiation in photovoltaics on the roofs, this development has both people and the environment in mind. 

201 Turk and 111 Jones -

This high density affordable housing project in San Francisco speaks to the need of the community, and has alleviated crime in the area, while providing refugees and people of need with the opportunity to thrive. This housing development offers children a safe place to recreate, an inclusive community for the elderly, as well as enhanced opportunity for people with different backgrounds to successfully, and productively integrate in their city. Excellent management and the collaboration of many inspired designers and contractors made it possible for nearly 2,100 people to have greater lives of peace and subsistence. 

Bridgeton Revitalization -

After economic pitfalls, the Bridgeton, New Jersey had too many abandoned, rotting Victorian homes. As a district that values historic preservation, these structures didn't seem to be preserving much of anything, and seemed to be prompting criminal activity due its abandonment. This housing development aimed to mend this decrepit area of the town, and created new, affordable homes that mimicked some of the structural efficiencies of the older Victorian styled homes. This mimicry utilized the tall, A frame structures and covered porches to naturally cool the structure, and minimize energy costs. Other cost effective and ecologically sound implementations created homes that harnessed construction efficiency and natural capital, while reducing environmental impact and simultaneously preserving the history of this area. 

A Biophillic City

biophilia |bʌɪə(ʊ)ˈfɪlɪə|

noun [mass noun]

(according to a theory of the biologist E. O. Wilson) an innate and genetically determined affinity of human beings with the natural world. 

Many philosophers and psychologists alike, study the relationship between man and nature. Is it essential, how does a connection with nature benefit an individual? 

Speculations have been made that an urban oasis, such as a nature conservancy area, garden space, park, or waterfront, can reduce mental turbulence and have a calming impact on people. 

Studies have developed to prove a positive correlation between both physical and mental health when people live in close proximity to green spaces. To bolster this fact, a Swedish study discovered that people who spend more time in parks are less likely to report stress related illnesses, and show a greater physical well being. This finding supports the idea that many urban planners, such as Jane Jacobs, have been infamous for stating: the design of our cities is a keystone component in citizen health. 

Western societies and known for being rich in western diseases, some of these conditions are diabetes, heart disease, obesity, amongst others. Several of these unfortunate convictions can be caused from peoples' lifestyle choices. 

The theory that open spaces and inviting, lively streets, scattered with green, get people out of their homes and into their streets may be one that physicians should look into. Urban design, clean, air, and overall, walkable cities are quintessential for laying the ground frame for a healthy people.

A biophillic city is one that is alive, one that moves with the people.Trees decorate the streets, people utilize them, native animal and bird species have usable, and healthy in the area. Human waste is mitigated, people recognize the importance of material cycles, and that no resource is infinite. A general sense of stewardship is felt in a biophillic community, people feel responsible for maintaining these places, in part because they adore them, and they cherish their connections with the natural world. 

The integration of sustainable practices and designs that fuse with plant and animal life, are responses to a general admiration that people feel towards their communities and cities. A love of place is essential for people to enhance their cities, and lift them up to a shared state of biophilia. 

An excellent example of a place where people feel great pride in the preservation of nature in their cities is Singapore. People have developed pathways that run through forests, and have implemented living, green walls in several of their sky scrapers. A hospital is decorated with life, the abundances of plants attracts butterflies, birds, and even people who aren't patients. This city can serve as a case study for those who question the idea that healthy people come from healthy cities. Aside from the mitigation of toxins in the air through the added flora, people are more inclined to utilize their sidewalks, parks, and water front. The integration of plants in this human environment have also inspired teachers and children of the area to explore just how nature operates, and how humans can benefit from these critical natural responses. 

Inhabitants of Singapore are proud of the health and vibrancy of their city. 

Pictured above: man made trees that collect water, as well as solar energy, provide people with a light show at night, and are intertwined with living plants. 

This park, Garden by the Sea, has now become an iconic destination to tourists and locals alike. Its beauty and embodiment of the relationship between people and nature has made an impact on urban designers world wide. 

This is one example of the many gardens that litter the city. Others include a "Flower Dome," an indoor garden near the Garden by the Sea, which is pictured below. 

In a city where magnificent design meets ecological sensibility, it is hard not to be taken back by its beauty and grandeur. 

What can we do in here America, to liven our cities, and promote better human health?