BIODIVERSITY – THATS WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT By Jeffrey A. McNeely [email protected] Presented to...
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Transcript of BIODIVERSITY – THATS WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT By Jeffrey A. McNeely [email protected] Presented to...
BIODIVERSITY –
THAT’S WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT
By
Jeffrey A. McNeely
Presented to BioVisionAlexandria 2010
Human infrastructure
Nature’s infrastructure
Advances in Chemistry characterized the 19th Century
(1870)
Fritz Haber (1868-1934)
Carl Bosch (1874-1940)
Nitrogen fertilizers helped fuel
the green revolution
The 20th Century was
driven by physics
Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
Physics gave us
power…
…and mobility
…and provided the means to globalize communication and information
20th century advances in technology based largely on physics, chemistry, and fossil fuels led to a quadrupling of the human population and a 16-fold increase in consumption.
I consume,
therefore
I am
What are the ecological implications of 9 billion people?
30-40% more food required30-40% more food required
1 billion ha of natural habitat 1 billion ha of natural habitat converted to agricultureconverted to agriculture
2-3 times more nitrogen and 2-3 times more nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer requiredphosphorus fertilizer required
Twice as much water requiredTwice as much water required
3 times more pesticide use3 times more pesticide use
We need a new approach.
Can this be the Biological Century?
Can we use the metaphors and approaches of biology, and its cornucopia of technology, to help drive the principal social, ethical, and economic issues of the coming century? Can biology be an answer to the challenge of sustainability?
Advances in physics and chemistry have made the Biological Century possible
DNA
Ant holding a microchipScanning electron microscope
2010Many genomes
mapped;
Genetic modification widespread;
Synthetic biology being developed.
DNA is information that we are only just beginning to understand
New forms of energy: Biomass
Can we find a way to use chlorophyll directly to convert solar energy to chemical energy?
Morphotex fabric Teijin Corp.
Morpho rhetenor butterfly
Technocentrism:Valuescentered on technology
Ecocentrism:Values centered on Nature
Biomimicry could provide a bridge between the two philosophies, since it involves creating technology that values nature.
Wild relatives of domestic animals are valuable genetic resources. Many survive only in protected areas.
The Biological Century offers a new methaphor for action, based on four principles:
Conservation of biodiversity is an expression of human culture, and essential to sustainability.
Biodiversity needs active management if it is to provide us with the goods and services we desire.
Biodiversity management needs to include some areas where natural ecosystems are enabled to continue their evolution as a reservoir of creativity.
New technologies based on biodiversity may be the best answer to sustainability in a time of growing demand.