Oral Presentations
Welcome to the Farm: examining relationships to Earth for a thriving future
Presentation Type
Presentation
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Caroline Stephens
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Environmental Studies
Abstract / Artist's Statement
The purpose of this creative scholarship is to examine human relationships to Earth and the implications for a thriving future. This thesis studies the current environmental state of our planet, then looks at sustainability as a model for improving human and planetary health, and ends by visualizing a thriving future beyond sustainability in which we adopt a “caretaker” mindset. The key to this trajectory is to untangle and dismantle colonial relationships with the planet and replace them with “caretaker” relationships - relationships rooted in love, honor, and reciprocity with the environment.
This thesis is a culmination of four years of coursework in environmental science, environmental studies, Indigenous Knowledge, and climate change. These courses included examples of how political divisions prevent climate action, colonial ideas stall progressive wilderness policy, and resource management decisions are made without sufficient community input. These issues have made me realize that mindset and cultural change are most urgently needed to solve or manage major environmental issues.
To carry out this project, I utilized Western and non-Western concepts. I drew upon lessons learned across many of my courses and read several books and texts to prepare myself for the writing of this thesis. These texts were mainly essays, informational texts, TED Talks, non-fiction texts, nature texts, and biographical texts.
This project communicates to the world how we live our relationship with the planet matters. Time and time again, the biggest obstacle to climate and environmental solutions is the lack of care for the planet. We need to reimagine our relationship with the planet everywhere and in every way.
Category
Visual and Performing Arts (including Creative Writing)
Welcome to the Farm: examining relationships to Earth for a thriving future
UC 326
The purpose of this creative scholarship is to examine human relationships to Earth and the implications for a thriving future. This thesis studies the current environmental state of our planet, then looks at sustainability as a model for improving human and planetary health, and ends by visualizing a thriving future beyond sustainability in which we adopt a “caretaker” mindset. The key to this trajectory is to untangle and dismantle colonial relationships with the planet and replace them with “caretaker” relationships - relationships rooted in love, honor, and reciprocity with the environment.
This thesis is a culmination of four years of coursework in environmental science, environmental studies, Indigenous Knowledge, and climate change. These courses included examples of how political divisions prevent climate action, colonial ideas stall progressive wilderness policy, and resource management decisions are made without sufficient community input. These issues have made me realize that mindset and cultural change are most urgently needed to solve or manage major environmental issues.
To carry out this project, I utilized Western and non-Western concepts. I drew upon lessons learned across many of my courses and read several books and texts to prepare myself for the writing of this thesis. These texts were mainly essays, informational texts, TED Talks, non-fiction texts, nature texts, and biographical texts.
This project communicates to the world how we live our relationship with the planet matters. Time and time again, the biggest obstacle to climate and environmental solutions is the lack of care for the planet. We need to reimagine our relationship with the planet everywhere and in every way.