Thread by @MarcelHarmon1

1/9: A few years ago I picked this book by @LyandaHaupt up in the bookshop haven of Hay-on-Wye in southeast Wales, but have only just now read it. For me the author really hit home how #Darwin was able to construct the theory of evolution, arguably...

#naturalism

2/9: one of the most important scientific theories we have, through extensive observations of the “natural” world. While some degree of modest experimentation was involved (though that too was rooted in nature) it was his meticulous observations of nature,...

3/9: his closeness to nature, that inspired his vision of the tree of life and the mechanistic details of evolution. It’s also what led him to the realization that humans aren’t separate from the natural world.

This realization also contributed to...

4/9: biologist E. O. Wilson’s (@EOWilsonFndtn) formulation of the concept of #biophilia (that humans have an innate connection to nature as a result of our evolutionary history). It also contributed to self-proclaimed “nature nerd” @JanineBenyus'
cofounding...

5/9: of the @BiomimicryInst, where nature is used as a source of inspiration for solving current human challenges. Both #biophilia and #biomimicry are increasingly being incorporated into the design, construction, and operations of modern built environments, making...

6/9: our buildings more sustainable and healthy in the process. And their applications extend outside of the AEC Industry.

Near the end of the book, the author quotes Rachel Carson in a meeting with several women journalists in 1954: “The more clearly we can focus our...

7/9: attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” You might even say, the less taste we shall have for ITS destruction. Environmental education (of children and adults) is a critical conduit for providing...

8/9: that focus, providing those personal connections to the non-human built world around us, showing our place within that world, and how we are dependent on it.

9/9: Such environmental awareness leads to a more sustainable or even regenerative mindset, & ultimately an acceptance of the urgency to address climate change.

So all of you environmental educators out there – you rock.

#ksed #scicomm #kssci #naturalism #environmentaleducation