Allan Savory, George Monbiot, and Walter Jehne share the same problem we all do. Being criticised for being unconventional. A fear of shame, blame, or guilt can keep us small unless we courageously step up, be heard and risk the label of hero, heretic, or upstart.
Seeking the truth as if my life depended upon it
I have experienced times when I have been challenged for my use of "weak science", especially in the domain of Holistic Management.
But I posit that it is our blind adherence to reductionist science that has contributed significantly to the many wicked problems we face, such as the sixth mass extinction.
What is robust science?
Howard Bloom offers an elegant first principle of science:
Examining that which is under my nose and
seeking the truth as if my life depended upon it.
Holistic Research: seeking to address the root cause of the problem
Allan Savory suggests that we need a holistic research orientation in order to get to root causes and deal with the complex issues we face:
Conventional scientific research tends to be reductionist in that it
seeks to reduce phenomena to a simpler form for study by controlling
as many external variables as possible. It does this to show that one
factor and not another contributes to an observed outcome.
Management, on the other hand, must deal with complex relationships
and innumerable variables, none of which can be ignored or removed
without adverse consequences.
Replace "Climate Change" with "Climate Collapse"
In his recent interview at the Food Revolution Summit,
George Monbiot suggested we replace the phrase,
Climate Change, with the more urgent,
Climate Collapse.
Although he skilfully weaves a coherent story about
Climate Collapse, I question the validity of the carbon science and technological ‘precision fermentation’ solutions that he promotes, especially when contrasted with holistic scientific views on soil health and human nutrition.
How is it possible I don’t know about this science?
Last week a farmer spoke to me after witnessing
Walter Jehne's presentation about how herbivores are essential in handling the methane emissions on our planet. As he left the room he asked me, “How is it possible I don’t know about this science?”
Over the past 18 years, Walter has been growing in his influence as a significant soil scientist and climatologist on a mission to equip us with the science and practise that will regenerate earth. Walter’s niche is making science understandable and offering paradigm-disrupting solutions that work by mimicking nature. He refers to, and draws upon, the work of Allan Savory.
Whose science to believe?
It is clear that Walter, George and Allan all care deeply about Nature and the imperative for the continuance of life on Earth.
But, how do you and I make sense of what each is saying without their story inadvertently leading to a destructive outcome?
Tweaking Howard Bloom’s first principle of science with a focus on
all life
provides a navigational touchstone for discerning the science, the tools, and the methods to believe and use:
Examining that which is under my nose and
seeking the truth as if all-life, including my-life, depends upon it.
I am not saying this is easy. Previous civilisations have collapsed as they failed to cope with the unintended consequences of their Nature-dominating perspectives and actions.
Continue this conversation with us and Walter Jehne, in-person in London
In London on the 11th May 2022, Walter Jehne will offer a talk entitled, Clear Directions for Regenerative Practice.
Within his courageous offering there will no doubt be much to discuss and debate.
I invite you to lend an ear to what Walter offers for the betterment of
all-life.
