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Credit: Duncan Harris (Creative Commons)
No doubt that all the talk—and action (or activity, some would say)—around “sustainability” is warranted by the scale and interconnectedness of the environmental and social challenges facing us.
Yet like me, many people find “green” (in its many shades) a bit confusing.
Structural changes, such as policy, built environment, etc., may have the most significant impact towards sustainability, but what about underlying attitudes? Just as urbanization has emerged as a driving force among global systems, the broad relationship between people and nature has changed over the last few decades. Can this relationship co-evolve towards a greater “awareness”?
Global environmental change represents the direct and indirect impacts of human behavior; it also reflects the collective experiences of individuals living in places. More and more, these places are urban. Perhaps there is much to be learned by paying attention to and valuing local nature (starting from where you stand).
To get back to Vancouver…
In this post, the Urban Treefrog gives thanks for a slice of urban nature:
Yesterday, was a beautiful sunny thanksgiving day for our walk… we saw a raptor bird, mole hills, a coyote, song birds, nurse tree stumps from Vancouver’s first growth forest, colourful toadstools, many beneficial species of trees (that offer medicinal value to people), and best of all, we learned of recent beaver activity. Yes, a real live busy beaver in an old inner city neighbourhood!
Photo credit: John Green, from urbantreefrog.com
He goes on to explain, what made this Thanksgiving (Canadian Thanksgiving is in October) walk special was the group’s reminiscing about how concerned residents rallied some 13 years ago to save this area of urban forest from development. The story mentions that the internet and BBSs (!) played a part in their organizing.
So, we have much to be thankful for this weekend.
In particular, to all of our current and former neighbours who fought hard to keep our urban forest… especially to those individuals who are no longer with us, but left behind a magnificent legacy for a new generation to enjoy.
Photo from urbantreefrog.com
Efforts like this have had an effect across Vancouver. John Gray of the Stanley Park Ecology Society confirms that, “There has really been a growth in wildlife coming into Vancouver, a resurgence. It’s amazing what you can find in your community if you open your eyes.”
Opening kids’ eyes to nature is an important component of developing a conservation ethic and of promoting healthy living in cities. Daphne Solecki of the Young Naturalists’ Club of British Columbia emphasizes the value of experience with nature in the mental and physical development of children. Acknowledging the growing movement to address what Richard Louv has called “nature deficit disorder,” Solecki writes:
For about 1.5 million years of evolution, the lives of humans were intimately intertwined with nature. The challenges and opportunities of the natural world determined our livelihood, demanded our physical interaction, provided our pleasure and inspiration. This close relationship with nature shaped our lives in every way, so it is no wonder that suddenly being cut off from this relationship has a profound effect on children (and adults). Diminished problem-solving skills, inability to amuse themselves, increases in obesity and attention deficit disorder are linked to lack of free imaginative outdoor play.
It is recognized now that being out of doors for a period of time every day—not in organized sports activities but freely playing—helps children develop and learn with all their senses, sharpens their concentration, develops their curiosity, and improves their overall mental and physical health.
The Young Naturalists Club is one of many organizations that are bringing children and families closer to nature. Solecki claims that these experiences also support the development of “responsible citizens” on the planet, quoting Robert Bateman:
We live in a society where youth recognize 1,000 corporate logos but fewer than 10 species of wildlife found in their communities. Having children learn local species’ names and characteristics will create increased awareness and understanding for wildlife, which will in turn instill increased empathy for their well being.
Finally, Samantha Charlton of Vancouver’s Environmental Youth Alliance, which has worked with youth on urban agriculture and horticultural therapy projects, comments on the supportive and restorative effects of local nature:
For 20 years, EYA has seen the healing benefits of wild spaces for individuals and communities. Creating these opportunities is a subtle, non-invasive way for us to attend to and give back to nature, allowing nature to also attend to us. To be in tune to the ebb and flow of ecological systems affirms that we as people are continually growing alongside them, enhancing and improving the way we are able manage the ups and downs of daily urban living.
As long as urbanization trends continue, ensuring that cities are supportive environments for new generations of residents must be a central concern. Reintegrating local nature into cities can help to ameliorate impacts on human beings and wildlife alike, as well as encourage ecological sustainability on a global scale.
We think and act on Big Problems; we live and learn and grow in places.
Photo from urbantreefrog.com
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