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Broadening Nature''s Lens for Children

By Jane | Published on  
Redefining nature in a dynamic world: Valuing all ecosystems.

The natural world is essential to the survival of our planet, and it is our responsibility to protect it for future generations. However, the definition of nature has become too narrow, limiting our understanding of what it encompasses. This limited view of nature is an impending threat to our children’s future, as it leaves them with no real understanding of the world they are inheriting.

One of the main problems with the current definition of nature is that it is too focused on pristine environments and untouched landscapes. This narrow view ignores the fact that nature is everywhere and that it is often in the spaces where humans live and work. The speaker in the video argues that this restrictive definition of nature leaves little room for children to explore and learn about the natural world in their own backyards.

The speaker also points out that the current definition of nature ignores the fact that humans are part of nature too. Human activities and the built environment are often seen as being at odds with nature, but this is a false dichotomy. Humans have the ability to work with nature to create sustainable and thriving communities.

Finally, the speaker argues that this narrow definition of nature is particularly dangerous because it prevents us from understanding the impacts of our actions on the natural world. By seeing nature as something that is separate from us, we fail to recognize our role in shaping the world around us. This ignorance can lead to destructive practices that harm the environment and ultimately threaten our own survival.

In conclusion, it is essential that we broaden our understanding of nature and recognize the many ways in which it exists in our everyday lives. By doing so, we can foster a greater appreciation for the natural world and work towards creating a sustainable future for ourselves and our children.

Geologists are proposing a new epoch called the Anthropocene, which recognizes the significant impact humans have had on the planet. The Anthropocene is characterized by the influence of human activities on the Earth’s systems, including changes to the atmosphere, oceans, and land.

Human activities have caused climate change, loss of biodiversity, pollution, and other environmental problems. The burning of fossil fuels for energy has led to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, which contribute to global warming. Deforestation, habitat destruction, and overfishing have all contributed to the loss of species and biodiversity.

In the video, it is mentioned that we have made more than 9 billion tons of plastic since its invention, and almost all of it still exists in some form today, causing harm to wildlife and ecosystems. The human impact on the planet is so significant that some scientists argue that we have ushered in a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene.

It is important to recognize the impact of human activities on the planet and take action to lessen it. This can include reducing carbon emissions, protecting and restoring natural habitats, and promoting sustainable practices. The Anthropocene should serve as a call to action for humans to take responsibility for our impact on the planet and work towards a more sustainable future.

The speaker in the video argues that the traditional definition of nature is too narrow, and we need to broaden our understanding of what it means. Nature should not only be limited to untouched wilderness but anywhere that supports life and biodiversity. The new definition should include places where different species coexist and thrive, whether it’s a park in the city or a farm in the countryside.

The speaker suggests that our definition of nature needs to reflect the fact that humans are a part of nature, and our actions can impact the environment positively or negatively. Therefore, it is important to recognize the value of the green spaces in our cities, the agricultural fields that produce our food, and the oceans that provide us with resources and regulate our climate.

The idea is that if we redefine nature to include areas where life thrives, we can create a more inclusive and diverse understanding of what nature is. This shift in perspective can also help us to appreciate the importance of preserving and protecting these areas for future generations.

The speaker believes that by redefining nature, we can promote a more sustainable and interconnected relationship between humans and the environment. We can also inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty and diversity of life on our planet, no matter where it is found.

It’s easy to think of national parks or the Amazon rainforest as pristine environments untouched by human influence. However, according to the video script, humans have lived in and interacted with these areas for hundreds and even thousands of years.

For example, indigenous people have inhabited the Amazon rainforest for thousands of years and have had a significant impact on the environment. They have grew plants, hunted animals, and used fire to manage the landscape. Similarly, in the United States, Native American tribes have lived in and managed the land that is now national parks for thousands of years. Their practices, such as controlled burning, have shaped the ecosystems we see today.

It’s essential to recognize that humans have always been a part of the environment and that our actions have had consequences for the planet. Understanding the extent of human influence can help us better manage and protect our natural resources for future generations.

National parks have traditionally been considered some of the last remaining areas of untouched wilderness, where nature thrives free from human influence. However, the reality is that even these so-called pristine areas are not entirely natural. As the video points out, humans have lived in and interacted with these areas for centuries or even millennia.

Furthermore, national parks are not immune to the impacts of human activity. In fact, as they become more popular tourist destinations, the parks themselves can become fragile and in need of constant management and maintenance. The video notes that this can be expensive and limit access to these areas to only the most privileged individuals.

While national parks may provide a glimpse into what nature can be like when left alone, they are not necessarily the best solution for preserving and protecting natural areas. The costs associated with maintaining and managing these areas, combined with limited access, mean that they may not be the most sustainable solution for protecting the environment in the long term.

The concept of a “novel ecosystem” challenges the traditional notion that ecosystems should be maintained as they were in the past. Novel ecosystems are defined as ecosystems that are dominated by non-native species and have been altered by human activities. These ecosystems are becoming more prevalent and are functioning ecosystems in their own right.

One example of a novel ecosystem is the High Line in New York City. The High Line was once a disused railway line, but it has been transformed into a thriving urban park. The park is home to over 500 species of plants, many of which are non-native. Although the High Line is not a natural ecosystem, it is still a functioning ecosystem that provides important ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration and air purification.

Another example of a novel ecosystem is the Thames Estuary in the UK. The Thames Estuary has been heavily modified by human activities, including the construction of flood barriers and the dredging of the riverbed. As a result, the estuary now supports a unique ecosystem that includes non-native species, such as the Chinese mitten crab and the North American comb jelly. Despite its altered state, the Thames Estuary is still a functioning ecosystem that supports a wide range of species.

The concept of novel ecosystems challenges the idea that ecosystems should be maintained as they were in the past. Instead, it suggests that we should focus on managing ecosystems in a way that maximizes their ecological function and toughness. While novel ecosystems may not be as pristine as natural ecosystems, they are still important components of the natural world and should be valued for the services they provide.

The traditional definition of nature has become too restrictive and leaves out many places where people can experience and connect with nature. According to the video, we should redefine nature to include places like wild meadows and urban green spaces, which are often overlooked. Wild meadows are particularly important because they are areas of land that are left unmowed, allowing plants and animals to thrive. These areas are often home to many species of wildflowers, insects, and birds, making them a valuable ecosystem in their own right.

Urban green spaces, such as parks, community gardens, and street trees, are also important places for people to connect with nature. These areas are particularly valuable in cities, where access to nature can be limited. Urban green spaces provide opportunities for people to engage with nature, whether it’s by enjoying a picnic with family and friends, taking a walk or run, or simply sitting and relaxing in a green space.

By redefining nature to include these types of spaces, we can help more children connect with and appreciate nature. By providing opportunities for children to experience nature in their everyday lives, we can help them develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Additionally, by including these types of spaces in our definition of nature, we can encourage people to take better care of the environment in which they live, leading to a more sustainable future for all.

As humans continue to have a significant impact on the planet, geologists are proposing a new epoch called Anthropocene. This new epoch recognizes that human activities are changing the planet in unprecedented ways. In light of these changes, the definition of nature needs to be redefined to include novel ecosystems, wild meadows, and urban green spaces, among other areas.

It is important to note that even in places we consider untouched by humans, such as national parks or the Amazon, people have lived there for hundreds and thousands of years and interacted with the environment. Additionally, managed national parks are becoming more fragile over time and can be expensive and distant to visit, limiting access to the elites.

Novel ecosystems, often dominated by non-native species, are becoming more prevalent and are functioning ecosystems in their own right. We need to recognize and appreciate these new natures to ensure their preservation.

If we dismiss these new natures as trashy or no good, we might as well just pave them over. Therefore, we need to be careful how we define nature in a world where everything is changing. Redefining nature as anywhere life thrives, where multiple species coexist, and where it is green, blue, thriving, and filled with life, will help us appreciate and protect the diversity of life on our planet. It is our responsibility to ensure that we leave a world that is rich in biodiversity for future generations.

Our understanding of nature is constantly evolving, and it is important that we redefine it in a way that reflects the complex and dynamic relationship between humans and the environment. As the speaker highlighted, our current definition of nature is too narrow and pure, and it fails to account for the vast array of ecosystems that exist today. We need to hug the concept of novel ecosystems and recognize them as functioning ecosystems in their own right.

Furthermore, we must acknowledge that humans have a significant impact on the planet, and we are living in a new epoch called the Anthropocene. This means that we need to be more mindful of how we interact with the environment and ensure that our actions are sustainable and responsible.

By redefining nature to include places like wild meadows and urban green spaces, we can help children connect with and appreciate the natural world. It is essential that we provide opportunities for people to engage with nature in meaningful ways, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Finally, we need to be careful how we define nature in a world where everything is changing. If we dismiss new natures as “trashy” or “no good,” we risk losing important opportunities to connect with and learn from the environment. Instead, we should hug the complexity and diversity of nature and work to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.