Nature Connection: An Introduction
The distinction between nature and humanity is a fiction. Like trickling streams, mulching soil, or rows of ants, we too are an intricate part of nature. The imagined chasm between people and planet is perhaps the most ‘unnatural’ element of our existence.
For many (and for too long), nature has been presented as separate from humanity: nature is seen as something ‘out there’: it is rolling hills, overgrown woodlands, or rocky mountains. Even in efforts to protect nature, it is often portrayed as detached from ‘civilisation’, opposite to ‘culture’, and ‘conservation’ often consists of severing human contact from nature.
Over the past century, depictions and imaginings of the future have centred around slick, metallic designs where technology shapes our existence. With increased urbanisation and diminishing green spaces, the separation between ‘nature’ and humanity has been presented as an indication of progress and of the superiority of human invention. But what happens to a species that entirely detaches itself from their own nature?
One narrative tells us that technological advancements, such as geoengineering, and further separation from nature, are the only way to approach our climate crises. On the other hand, we believe that it is actually our detachment from nature that has caused many of the challenges we are facing today, including health, social, and environmental challenges.
This EcoResolution topic endeavours to help us all in engaging with our connection to nature. To consider how nature, our nature, can be once again entwined into our idea of what it means to be human. How does nature play an integral role in our own happiness, community-building, and health? What are the rights of nature, and the right to access nature?
Education and enchantment can help us to change the story of separation that for too long has been our dominant narrative. Come tell a new story with us.
