The twelve principles of permaculture (PC: http://www.soilandsoul.org.uk/index.php/permaculture/permaculture-principles)
The principles behind permaculture and its numerous benefits give it a significant role in designing nature’s future. Like the class video mentioned on several occasions, permaculture is about working with what we already have, whether it’s suburbs, city roofs, or old houses. Rather than tearing down entire cities and building a whole new civilization from scratch, this principle allows us to use permaculture as a stepping stone to a more sustainable, environmentally-friendly future. In addition, this feeds into another important principle of permaculture: no waste. Humankind is the only species that creates waste (and we’re really good at it). However, this has done incredibly harm to disadvantaged communities, wildlife, and ecosystems. In my vision for nature’s future, I see diverse, thriving ecosystems, not vast landscapes littered with trash.
Permaculture also emphasizes the importance of diversity and resiliency. As consequences of climate change, especially extreme weather events, floods, and droughts, intensify in magnitude and frequency, more diverse agricultural crops are necessary to avoid growing food insecurity. Additionally, permaculture allows for localized food production, another important aspect of nature’s future. Because climate change effects vary from region to region, small-scale, local responses are necessary to adequately address potential consequences. Thus, I believe that the principles behind permaculture should be applied to industries beyond agriculture when designing nature’s future.
