We discussed the issue of decline in biodiversity and extinctions due to human interventions such as greenhouse gas emissions, dams and pipelines that disrupt natural ecosystems. Some of this biodiversity we have disrupted, such as the existence of the Woolly Mammoth, were actually beneficial towards shaping the biomes and diversity of our planet. But because of human activity, we've destroyed and caused many species to go extinct. We also discussed the issues regarding anti-ecological friendly burial practices and how we as humans should have the right to decide what happens to our bodies after death.
I envision a world in which the biodiversity of our world is secure and not declining.
I value the significance of every species on this planet and their contributions to the ecosystem.
My stated interventions involve:
Governments should play a role in funding projects and investigations looking into which areas are in danger of declining biodiversity and act to restore biodiversity in those regions.
Governments should also regulate the greenhouse gas use of corporations through laws
On a more personal level, we as citizens should educate our future generations and encourage them to live in harmony with nature - i.e. play more in the dirt as kids, allow them to touch the dirt and allow the bacteria to be a part of their healthy microbiotas instead of using anti-microbial soaps so often to destroy the bacteria
We should have the option to bury our dead naturally (under their permission) to allow natural ecological processes to take place and let nature cycle around such as through aquamation.
I hope we can one day reach a future where we live in harmony with nature and work towards increasing our biodiversity again.
I don't really think the government is going to buy something to protect it. The return on investment is so long it won't fit the myopic lens of the political cycle. What the government can do is provide incentives like tax breaks for those who choose a conservation burial reserve vs standard for profit cemetery. How this is communicated could be part of the "donate your body to science" people can sign off on when they get their driver's license; through funeral homes; every protected areas entity public or not. The idea is not to get buried in a park. Its to fund new protected areas in order to be interred there. Don't think of it as a piece of land that looks like a cemetery you drive by. Think of it as a wall and defense line even politicians cannot break through. Ever try to move a cemetery? Not going to happen. The choice is personal and will touch everyone eventually. Its a change in behavior that doesn't rely on anyone else than yourself. The idea is that collectively a difference can be made. So the study begins thanks to Kai Chan and Dana Johnson among others. Once the concept can be grounded and communicated clearly to all potential stakeholders, we move forward. This represents billions of dollars/yr changing channels. It should be driven from the ground up instead of relying on witch way the political winds blow. Communicate. Ask questions. Start talking about it. Get the journalists writing about it; get the news to pick it up and follow the progress. It won't happen overnight that's for sure. But it can happen.
Consider natural burial as an extension of the work conservancies do. A Conservation Burial Reserve could re-wild and protect more effectively (from politicians). Instead of interment being in the domain of profit margins it could be the conduit for transforming death care into health care.
Hi Natalie Ma, I had never heard of aquamation before your post how interesting! Do you know anything about the sustainability behind this post-death care option, I'd be eager to learn more!