On the Rise
“We are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental. Strategies for a solution demand an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature.”
Pope Francis
I am an Architectural Designer currently working in Vancouver. A number of years ago when searching for a thesis topic for my graduate degree, I became aware of the negative consequences of anthropogenic climate change on ecological health, and thus human health. I became enamoured with the possibility of designing a future where nature and humans could exist in symbiosis- where the boundary between humanity, the built environment, and Nature was dissolved, creating a circular, regenerative relationship between entities that exist for the benefit of both.
During the long months of lockdown, I've been taking the time to 'catch up' on matters relating to the climate crisis, and it has occurred to me that we are in a unique moment in time where humanity has the opportunity to turn things around- but it appears that this window is closing, and quickly. It is apparent that measures must be taken much sooner than later, and we need every single individual on board. The climate crisis is not merely an environmental crisis, it is a social, economic, political- but especially- a moral one. We have the responsibility and the means to protect future generations, but also to uphold the dignity of all living beings here and now.
Another growing interest of mine is based in ecology and biology- and only very recently is science beginning to unearth the ineffable, almost science fiction-like characteristics of life on this planet. Each aspect that scientists are looking closer into is demonstrating that life is far more rich and intelligent than anyone had initially thought.
Furthermore, an undeniably growing body of scientific evidence is recently revealing the inherently remediating effects of nature. Such studies explore how exposure to nature demonstrates significant benefits to human health and well-being, even to the point of lowering crime rates. Exposure to nature repeatedly demonstrates an increase in productivity and cognition, and notably an increase in healthy cognitive performance and development in children.
Thereby, learning that so many biodiverse ecosystems have been devastatingly lost in a mere few decades has been the least to say, unsettling- and even moreso to learn that most of it had been caused by human measures. But as David Attenborough had stated, is that if Nature can heal and is more resilient than we think, then it becomes a matter of saving not only Nature, but of saving humankind.
Being in the design industry is a peculiar thing- the philosophical nature of being in a position of designing built environments for people to inhabit and interact with- being mindful of creating spaces that people are sheltered within and live within (90% of their time spent indoors)- as an architect there is an opportunity to question the physical and psychological boundaries/ramifications of why there is such a growing divide between the ‘inside’ and the ‘outside’- ‘us’ and the ‘other’ (outside). That this deepening divide and severed connection with the ‘outside’/nature is forming far greater detrimental consequences than we could’ve ever imagined, in our day and age.
There is something strange that roils inside me when I think about the climate crisis- perhaps it has to do with the tragedy that already has and will continue occur in the future- but I'd like to think it's also to do with the fact that we're at a special moment where creating a new, regenerative future is within arm's reach. And that this is not only through individual action, but by a collective movement.
I'd like to be part of a movement that educates and enables others who may be unsure or confused about the gravity of the situation, to appeal to policymakers to implement effective action, and to empower each and every individual to action and empathy, instead of fear and inaction as many are now. Recent studies have shown that when people see friends or colleagues taking positive action, they are compelled to join and do the same. I'd like to be part of a story where humanity is led by empathy and compassion for one another and for future generations, above all else. And you of course, are always welcome to join.