Nature of Becoming
Given the challenges our earth is facing, this page explores practical solutions and our relationship with nature.
Nature
Various philosophies and solutions exist for tackling the environmental crisis. This section focuses on practical steps individuals can take. Veganism is highlighted because it aligns with our focus and is among the most impactful daily choices we can make.
Additionally, the Energy, Education, Innovation, and Wild topics cover a range of solutions that can be integrated into someone's practice.
Note: some links take you to a landing page, and then you can search for the topic.
Introspection
This is an outline of potential actions to support the environment. For more details, see below.
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Consider becoming vegan, vegetarian, or a reducetarian.
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Take into account animals and the environment when finding solutions.
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Learn about overpopulation from resources, like Population Balance, to make informed choices.
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Reflect on consumption. There aren't infinite resources on a finite planet. The Well-being Economy article suggests that once basic needs are fulfilled, there is a weak link between GDP growth and well-being.
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Implement renewable energy solutions, which are integral for other technological innovations, like vertical farming.
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Entertain other options for lawns, like clover, gardens, native and pollinator-friendly plants, or leaving it wild.
Veganism
Veganism has implications not only for animals and our health, but also for the environment. For some, it is a philosophy that focuses on healthy eating; for others, it is an ethical decision that permeates many aspects of their lives. The vegan solution addresses issues in our animal agriculture system and contributes to restoring ecological balance.
Impacts on the Environment by Becoming Vegan
Green House Gas Emissions
Agriculture accounts for 21% of the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by humans, according to Improve Diets.
Is being vegan REALLY better for the environment? - BBC News and Sustainability of plant-based diets: back to the future explains how moving away from animal agriculture lower emissions.
Land and Water
The Veganism could save the planet. Here's why video show how factory farming contributes to deforestation.
It references the Reducing food’s environmental impacts through producers and consumers study.
How does animal agriculture affect the planet? video provides overall effects.
Animal Agriculture
Climate Healers and Hansen's article along with The next pandemic could come from our farms address environmental concerns.
Biodiversity
Loss of wildlife habitat affects pollinators, such as birds, bats, bees, butterflies, wasps, and beetles, which are essential for 88% of the food, flowers, and a balanced ecosystem.
Out of the 31,000 edible plant species, nine species account for two-thirds of our production, according to Plant Diversity
Energy
As individuals, there are several ways we can positively impact the climate and hence our communities. For example, choosing renewable energy sources for our homes, like solar panels and water heaters, using LED lighting and Energy Star appliances. Suppose solar panels are not an option due to the home setup. In that case, many electric companies offer renewable energy options that may source energy from solar farms, hydro plants, or offshore wind turbines. Even selecting recyclable insulation and weatherizing residences can make a difference.
When leaving the home, opting for public transport, walking, or biking to reach the destination, when possible. Electric vehicles are also an option.
The way we vote and consume are also important factors, such as reducing buying frequency and energy use, along with investing in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) portfolios.
Resources
There are many resources and initiatives to address energy alternatives, such as Energy, Heat Pumps, LED Lighting, Offshore Wind Turbines, Wind, Solar, and Electrify Everything.
Additionally, transportation has many options like Micromobility, Urban Mobility, Electric Vehicles, Enhance Public Transit, Mobilize Electric Cars, Mobilize Hybrid Cars, and Mobilize Electric Bicycles.
Education
Education can take many forms in response to the climate crisis. For example, enrolling in formal university programs that focus on the environment, such as climate science or sustainability. There are also formal and informal opportunities within communities, like continuing education courses, museums, or community gardens.
Online learning offers opportunities to connect with people worldwide and provides access to options that may be unavailable to some due to physical limitations, financial and time constraints. This platform allows for discussions on a global scale and introduces perspectives that might not have been considered before
Environmental education can also be shared with friends, peers, and family through conversations and amiable debates.
Resources
A challenging yet vital aspect of the climate issue involves Population with estimates ranging from 7 to 15 billion people by 2100. It is crucial to ensure that girls worldwide have the knowledge and ability to make their own choices regarding family planning.
Urban Farming is also an educational opportunity to bridge relationships with one another and the land.
Another issue of interest is Food Solutions and Reduce Food Loss and Waste, which indicates that one-third of the food produced is not consumed.
Innovation
Innovation encompasses a range of solutions, from vertical farming, clean meat, the expansion of legalizing personhood to nonhumans, and other emerging developments. It considers current research aimed at addressing the climate crisis and what our future might hold. A closer look at some of these reveals that they may not be sustainable or viable options, but it’s about trying varied approaches on multiple fronts.
Resources
Deploy Vertical Farms is not recommended by Drawdown, because it’s energy-intensive with minimal carbon benefits. Personhood for biotic, like dolphins and abiotic, like rivers are creative ways to provide legal protection for non-humans. Additional advances with pros and cons, such as Adopt New Technologies, Lab-Grown Meat, and From Farms to Labs: The New Trend of Sustainable Meat Alternatives continue to evolve.
Wellbeing Economy: An Effective Paradigm to Mainstream Post-Growth Policies? provides insights to leveraging technologies and DIY projects to localize production, promote self-reliance for individuals and communities, and foster and a repair and reuse culture.
From a community perspective, Fifteen-Minute City provides a neighborhood with all essential amenities nearby. Thoughtful City planning has also become part of the discussion.
The goal is to produce clean air, restore forests and habitats, cultivate nutrient-rich soil, and rebuild healthy oceans. It's an ecosystem from the air to the depths of the sea that needs attention and regeneration.
Resources
Agroforestry and Silvopasture (including animals) create ecosystems that resemble those in nature. The Planet resource examines traditional and emerging concepts, like Regenerative Agriculture.
For the forest, Afforestation is used to introduce trees where they were not before, end the destruction of Tropical Forests, and protect existing forests through Proforestation. The Protect Forests resource also provides data on these initiatives.
Various farming methodologies are being developed, such as Animal Integration, although there are opposing opinions to Increase Livestock Grazing, since animals are still part of this system. Other initiatives build the soil, like Land Restoration, Annual Cropping, and Improving Nutrients.
Some want to expand seaweed forests through Seaforestation, while others question the effectiveness of Deploying Ocean Fertilization.
Wild
For more, visit the Environment page, and the websites where many of the resources originated:
Regeneration, Drawdown, and Earth Overshoot Day