Embracing the Essence of Spirited Ecology
Spirited Ecology is an innovative approach that blends spirituality and ecological consciousness to foster a deeper connection between humans and the natural world. It encourages individuals to recognize the interconnectedness of all living beings, urging them to appreciate the intrinsic value of nature and all its inhabitants. This holistic perspective emphasizes that our actions have a direct impact on the environment and that it is our responsibility to care for the Earth.
Central to Spirited Ecology is the understanding that human well-being and environmental health are intertwined. By adopting sustainable practices and cultivating mindfulness, individuals can contribute to the overall health of the planet. This approach also underscores the importance of community engagement and collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.
By integrating spiritual principles with environmental stewardship, Spirited Ecology seeks to create a paradigm shift in the way we perceive our relationship with the natural world. It promotes reverence for nature, sustainable living, mindfulness, and community involvement as key components of a balanced and harmonious existence.
As we face unprecedented environmental challenges, Spirited Ecology offers a hopeful and transformative path forward. By embracing the spirit of nature and fostering a deep connection with the Earth, we can work together to create a more sustainable, compassionate, and thriving world for all living beings.
Rekindling the Spirit of Nature
In a world consumed by rapid urbanization and technological advancements, the call of the spirit of nature can often be muted. However, renowned environmentalist and author Dr. Jane Goodall reminds us of the profound connection between humans and the natural world.
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make”.
– Goodall
Recent studies suggest that embracing the spirit of nature can have transformative effects on our well-being and mental health. According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, spending time in nature significantly reduces stress levels, increases positive emotions, and fosters a sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves (Capaldi et al., 2014). In the words of naturalist John Muir, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
Despite the undeniable benefits of connecting with the spirit of nature, modern society seems to be drifting further away from it. The World Wildlife Fund’s 2020 Living Planet Report reveals that global populations of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles have declined by 68% in just 50 years (WWF, 2020). This staggering decline serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to rekindle our relationship with nature.
In an attempt to revitalize our bond with the environment, initiatives like the Spirited Ecology movement promote a holistic approach to environmental stewardship that combines spiritual principles with ecological awareness. By fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world, Spirited Ecology aims to promote sustainable living, environmental stewardship, and a more harmonious existence on Earth.
As we embark on a journey to rediscover the spirit of nature, let us heed the words of Chief Seattle, a 19th-century Native American leader: “Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect” (Seattle, 1854). By embracing this interconnectedness, we can begin to restore the balance between humanity and the natural world.
Key Principles of Spirited Ecology
Interconnectedness
Recognizing that all living beings and ecosystems are connected and interdependent, Spirited Ecology seeks to foster a sense of unity with nature. By understanding these connections, people can work together to create a healthier, more sustainable world.
Reverence of Nature
A core principle of Spirited Ecology is that the natural world should be treated with respect and reverence. This means honoring the intrinsic value of all living beings and ecosystems, regardless of their perceived usefulness to humans.
Sustainable Living
Spirited Ecology encourages individuals to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives, such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting local economies. By making conscious choices, individuals can minimize their environmental impact and contribute to the overall health of the planet.
Mindfulness and Self Awareness
Practicing mindfulness and cultivating self-awareness can help individuals better understand their impact on the environment and make more informed decisions. By being present and attentive, people can develop a deeper connection with nature and work toward more sustainable lifestyles.
Environment and Sustainability Updates
- Nature Ecology & Evolution, Published online: 19 April 2024; doi:10.1038/s41559-024-02401-zPollution in urban areas causes higher rates of mutation than in unpolluted areas. This Perspective discusses the effects of these mutations on the health, evolutionary fitness and ecology of urban organisms.
- Nature Ecology & Evolution, Published online: 18 April 2024; doi:10.1038/s41559-024-02399-4Through genetic and molecular analyses of interspecific stigma–pollen interactions, the authors show that Brassicaceae plants use an integrated pollen discrimination system and a shared pollen rejection pathway to reject conspecific self-pollen and heterospecific pollen. This establishes a mechanistic link between self-incompatibility and speciation in this clade.
- Nature Ecology & Evolution, Published online: 17 April 2024; doi:10.1038/s41559-024-02390-zIn an analysis of how biotic interactions regulate hominin evolutionary dynamics, the authors show that speciation is negatively related to species diversity in Australopithecus and Paranthropus, in the same way that it is in many other vertebrates, whereas the genus Homo is characterized by positive diversity-dependent speciation and negative diversity-dependent extinction.
- PSW ecologist and tribal liaison Frank Lake wondered how the birds he grew up with in northeastern California were faring. As a Karuk tribal descendant with Yurok family, Lake has a deep connection to the land and the birds that inhabit it. Belted kingfishers, woodpeckers, condors, eagles, and other birds have been part of his ancestors' way of life for thousands of years.
- While it can be hard for us to notice as we go about our busy lives, cities are filled with indigenous plants, fungi, insects, spiders and other little creatures, as well as birds, frogs and reptiles.
- Wildlife officials said they will not remove a gray wolf potentially connected to recent livestock killings, despite requests from stockgrowers.
- Just like the animals on Noah's Ark, the corals arrived in a pair. On Monday, divers with gloved hands gently nestled the self-bred corals from the World Coral Conservatory project among their cousins in Europe's largest coral reef at the Burgers' Zoo in the Netherlands.
- The National Parks Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service filed a decision April 25 outlining a plan to capture three to seven grizzlies from other ecosystems in the Rocky Mountains or interior British Columbia and release them in the North Cascades each summer for five to 10 years. The goal is to rebuild a population of 200 bears in a century. In the Lower 48 states, the bears are a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act.
- Northwest Atlantic harbor (Phoca vitulina vitulina) and gray (Halichoerus grypus atlantica) seal populations are recovering from early to mid-20th century exploitation, increasing their biological interactions and bycatch in Northeastern US commercial fisheries. We evaluated the seals’ diet composition and compared their prey to commercial catches to assess trophic overlap and potential competition with commercial fisherman target catches. We obtained 148 harbor and 178 gray seal stomach samples from bycatch events that occurred between 2004 and 2018. We learned from the hard part remains that the majority of seals bycaught are young-of-the-year (≤12 […]
- Forests in the United States continue to lose biodiversity and many fail to regenerate due to high deer (family Cervidae) abundance. Declines in biodiversity and overall ecosystem health due to high deer populations increases prevalence of wildlife and human diseases associated with increasing tick abundances and decreases forest resilience and the ability to deliver benefits provided by healthy ecosystems. In the eastern and midwestern United States, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are the main stressor, while in the western U.S. elk (Cervus elaphus) and black-tailed and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) can become equally […]
- There is no current population estimate for Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) in Scottish waters and their distribution in the northeast of Scotland and the Northern Isles is poorly documented. Using a combination of citizen science and historical sightings data, photographs of Risso’s dolphins from northeast Scotland and the Northern Isles were gathered to gain an indication of the presence of the species in this region. A review of all available sighting records from as early as 1933 (n = 1,904 records), showed a historical presence of Risso’s dolphins in the study locations, […]
- Despite the sensitivity of ecosystems in extreme conditions, only 0.029% of the Antarctic continent is currently granted special protection as Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA). Additionally, protected areas are unevenly distributed and unrepresentative of the biodiversity of Antarctica. The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties are thus striving to establish a more coherent network of protected areas. In this context, the Otto-von-Gruber-Gebirge was identified as an area highly worthy of protection due to its unique ecosystem including one of the largest snow petrel breeding sites, and relative pristine nature. However, in the process of […]
- Morpho-physiological adaptations to drought stress in nitrogen-fixing and non-nitrogen-fixing plantsDrought profoundly affects the morpho-physiological responses of desert plants in dryland. To scrutinize the morpho-physiological responses of nitrogen (N)-fixing legumes (Ammopiptanthus mongolicus, Caragana korshinskii), N-fixing non-legumes (Elaeagnus angustifolia, Hippophae rhamnoides), and non-N-fixing plants (Nitraria tangutorum, Haloxylon ammodendron) under varied drought stress levels (75%, 50%, 25% and 5% of soil water holding capacity), a pot experiment was conducted in greenhouse. Following prolonged water deficit, carbon (C) and N stoichiometry, metabolic rates, plant growth, and biomass distribution of unstressed and stressed plants were recorded. Intensified drought significantly reduced stem, root and whole-plant biomass, with […]
- The expansion of urban areas affects wild animals in a variety of ways. Why members of closely-related species respond differently to urbanisation is often unclear, but an understanding of the factors that lead to urban habitat use or avoidance will have important implications for conservation. Previous research has suggested that urban habitats could favour larger-brained, behaviourally flexible species, which can more readily cope with the novel challenges imposed by urbanisation. However, the opportunity species have to colonise urban areas, and similarities between urban areas and species’ natural habitats, may also explain urban […]
- The growth of autotroph communities is frequently (co-)limited by essential nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the observed co-limitation patterns at different levels of biological organization, especially at the biochemical level for individual species. When considering communities, the presence of different species and functional groups with contrasting physiologies and nutrient requirements leads to a more difficult understanding of the mechanisms involved in nutrient (co-)limitation. To investigate what drives co-limitation patterns and possible underlying mechanisms based on biomass responses in autotroph communities, we grew […]
- Gradients of latitudinal diversity are one of the biogeographic features calling the most attention in ecology and macroecology. However, in pelagic communities of the marine environment, geographic trends and patterns are poorly known. We evaluated the latitudinal variation in species richness of marine planktonic copepods in the Eastern Pacific using spatial statistical models and approaches that mitigate and account for biases in occurrence data. A Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) and regression-Kriging based models allowed us to estimate and predict alpha diversity in poorly sampled regions, whereas beta diversity patterns were assessed using […]
- Ocean currents play a role in both facilitating and impeding connectivity of marine organisms’ populations, serving as key drivers and potential barriers. The emergence of Taiwan around five million years ago (Mya) impacted the Kuroshio Current which later shaped the distribution of marine organisms. In this study, we examined how the Kuroshio Current influenced the distribution and population divergence of the marine red alga Dichotomaria elegans (Galaxauraceae, Nemaliales). Through phylogenetic analysis, species delimitation, and morphological comparison of Taiwanese species, we determined its phylogenetic position relative to other species within the D. marginata […]
- IntroductionAccording to various censuses, Europe has less than 1.5 million ha of old-growth forests (OGF). Most of them are in the boreal zone, while their presence in the temperate zone is residual and fragmented.In the framework of the EU biodiversity strategy, it has been adopted a broad definition of OGF which includes late-seral forests and forests with some management legacies. However, research purposes need to identify strictly defined OGFs characterized by structure, disturbance history, and processes typical and exclusive of the last stage of the forest dynamic.MethodsThe present paper wants to contribute […]
- Over the last decade, biotic disturbances caused by bark beetles have represented a serious environmental and economic issue in Central Europe. Great efforts are expended on the early detection and management of bark beetle infestation. Our study analyses a time series of UAV-borne multispectral imagery of a 250-ha forest in the Vysočina region in the Czech Republic. The study site represents a typical European spruce forest with routine silvicultural management. UAV-borne data was acquired three times during the vegetation period, specifically (a) before swarming, (b) at the early stage of infestation, and […]
- IntroductionThis study aims to achieve early and reliable monitoring of wood-boring pests, which are often highly concealed, have long lag times, and cause significant damage to forests. Specifically, the research focuses on the larval feeding vibration signal of the emerald ash borer as a representative pest. Given the crucial importance of such pest monitoring for the protection of forestry resources, developing a method that can accurately identify and interpret their vibration signals is paramount.MethodsWe introduce MelSPPNET, a self-explaining model designed to extract prototypes from input vibration signals and obtain the most representative […]
- The development and morphology of branches, a crucial step in producing high-quality large-diameter lumber, may be influenced by fertilization. The response of branch attributes to different fertilization regimes, however, is still poorly understood. The Catalpa bungei plantations, which had been growing for 6 years in northern China, were chosen to study how various fertilization measures affected branch attributes. The two fertilization techniques used were hole fertilization (HF) and water and fertilizer integration (WF), with no fertilization (CK) as a control. The quantity, density, morphology (e.g., diameter, length, and angle), and position (e.g., height […]
- In past decades, ash dieback has caused a rapid decline of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) in temperate forests of Europe. Numerous studies focus on mitigating the negative impacts of ash dieback to forest ecosystems or identifying resistant genotypes. The role of natural selection toward genotypes withstanding ash dieback for ash regeneration has been less frequently studied with experimental means to date. This is, however, necessary in times of global change, because the preservation of ash in Europe’s forests will depend, above all, on the adaptability of the future generations of ash trees. […]
- Circular business models have been developed in recent years, driven by concerns over environmental sustainability. The circular business models are initially tested domestically, but businesses may aspire to expand internationally with it. However, entering foreign markets with circular business models, which include novel products and innovative services, may be challenging. Moreover, generalized foreign market entry criteria for circular business models are lacking. This in-depth case study utilized a mixed-method approach to shed light on the tactical adaptations businesses need to make in their circular business model when entering foreign markets while also […]
- A high quantity of waste is generated from industrial activities by manufacturers across metropolitan cities compared to smaller cities with fewer industrial activities. Adopting Circular Economy principles in waste management has the potential for sustainable waste management to reduce the quantity of waste at dumpsites and harmful emissions from wastes. The study was conducted to assess circularity status and challenges for attaining higher circularity by Kigali’s manufacturing, waste collection, and waste recycling companies using the 10-R framework. The study also sought to build estimates for industrial solid waste quantity and methane emissions […]
- The unique experience of land reform in China holds significant implications for other nations in urgent need of liberating and developing their productivity, providing valuable insights and lessons. This study conducted a micro-level analysis of land reform in China, the United States, and India, focusing on the implications for other nations. Surveys were conducted on 459 households in 12 townships in Zhejiang and Sichuan provinces, China. A random sampling approach was employed, selecting 5 sample counties (cities, districts) across Jinhua, Shaoxing, and Chengdu. Within each county (city, district), 2–3 townships were randomly […]
- With the increasing global concern over plastics' environmental and human health impacts, the urgency for effective regulatory measures is evident. The UN Environment Assembly's initiative to establish an international, legally binding instrument via the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution marks a significant step toward addressing this issue. However, the vast diversity of plastic types and their myriad applications present a complex challenge in pinpointing the most critical targets for regulation. This study builds on the existing body of literature to outline potential key criteria for identifying Polymers of Concern (PoC). […]
- IntroductionOnion is a significant vegetable crop in Ethiopia, serving as a source of income for smallholder farmers. However, various challenges in the production and post-harvest handling processes impede a consistent supply and marketing of the crop. This study focused on a comprehensive analysis of the onion supply chain, ranging from production to post-harvest handling, to address the existing production and marketing processes. The research initiative was undertaken to map the onion supply chain from farmers to consumers, intending to establish an improved marketing system in northwest Ethiopia.MethodsThe study area covered three onion-producing […]
- The promotion and development of healthy cities are vital for enhancing human habitats and fostering sustainable economic growth. Based on the core databases of Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO, and the knowledge graph software, this paper presents a quantitative analysis of the literature related to attention recovery abroad. It is found that in recent years, the research on attention recovery has developed rapidly, the number of related studies has been increasing, and the research content presents the characteristics of interdisciplinary integration. By further analyzing the characteristics of the research […]
- The worsening climate crisis has increased the urgency of transitioning energy systems from fossil fuels to renewable sources. However, many industrialized countries are struggling to meet their growing demand for renewable energy (RE) through domestic production alone and, therefore, seek to import additional RE using carriers such as hydrogen, ammonia, or metals. The pressing question for RE importers is therefore how to select trading partners, i.e., RE exporting countries. Recent research has identified a plethora of different selection criteria, reflecting the complexity of energy systems and international cooperation. However, there is little […]
- In recent decades, the interplay of several factors, including land use change (particularly urbanization) and global warming, has resulted in harsher flooding, often associated with geomorphic disruption. These events in Latin America are predominantly driven by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon. The Andalién River basin is no exception, with a notable incident occurring in July 2006. This reality points out the need to study the geomorphological behavior of rivers. Geomatic tools can contribute to address this issue, thereby improving the planning and management of water courses. This paper presents the […]
- The railway plays an essential role in urban and intercity transport of goods and people. Intercity and urban rail transit infrastructures contribute to the economic and environmental sustainability of global economies. Those infrastructures can be modeled as complex networks, so that we can evaluate system properties of the network structure. This stream of research has focused on the topological analysis of global network structure, but little research exists that examines how local network structures affect system properties. The local structure of complex networks can be examined with network motif analysis, as those […]
- Transboundary water governance involves collaborative decision-making across geopolitical boundaries to manage shared water resources sustainably. While this approach integrates public, private, and community efforts, little scrutiny has been directed toward the involvement of non-institutionally affiliated stakeholders. This study critically examines stakeholder participation in Upper Klamath Basin water governance by investigating how deficiencies in stakeholder inclusion impede transboundary water management processes by favoring institutionally affiliated actors. Findings reveal the differential influence of “endogenous” (directly involved), “exogenous” (indirectly involved), and “peripheral” (limited engagement and influence) actors. While endogenous and exogenous actors have formal or […]
- Lise van Susteren, psychiatrist and author of Emotional Inflammation, and Dekila Chungyalpa, innovator of faith-led environmental partnerships and director of the Loka Initiative, headline this 75-minute webinar to discuss positive ways to find equilibrium while experiencing the ongoing effects of the polycrisis.
- From the top of a skyscraper in Dubai, Jason, Rob, and Asher chug margaritas made from the purest Greenland glacier ice as they cover the "merits" of globalism. International trade brings so many things, like murder hornets and deadly supply chain disruptions. The opposite of globalism is localism — learn how to build a secure local economy that can keep Asher alive, hopefully at least through the end of the season.
- For more than 40 years, Kumi Naidoo has been a voice for social, economic and environmental justice. To get a glimpse into Kumi's story and what he will talk about in our May 14th event, watch this interview with Post Carbon Institute's Asher Miller.
- Earth is it. It’s not just where we’re from, it’s where we belong, and it’s the only home we will ever know. If we don’t take care of it, we will cease to exist.
- A lax U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is aiming right at your reproductive organs.
- Global biodiversity has declined between 2% and 11% during the 20th century due to land-use change alone, according to a large multi-model study. Projections show climate change could become the main driver of biodiversity decline by the mid-21st century.
- Researchers found that forests with higher trait diversity not only adapt better to climate change but may also thrive. The study unveiled how tree functional trait diversity plays a pivotal role in mitigating climate warming. In the face of environmental stress, these diverse trees have been shown to maintain higher productivity levels, in contrast to monoculture forests.
- Anticipating changes to ecosystems is often at best an educated guess, but what if there was a way to better tune into possible changes occurring? Researchers have discovered that the silent growth of non-native invasive plants can affect the soundscape of an ecosystem. These altered soundscapes, the acoustic patterns of a landscape through space and time, may provide a key to better observing the hard-to-see physical and biological changes occurring in an ecosystem as they are beginning.
- What can be done when one threatened animal kills another? Scientists studying critically endangered lemurs in Madagascar confronted this difficult reality when they witnessed attacks on lemurs by another vulnerable species, a carnivore called a fosa.
- Animal and plant populations have been extensively studied, which has helped to understand ecosystem processes and evolutionary adaptations. However, this has not been the case with microbial populations due to the impossibility of isolating, culturing and analyzing the genetic content of the different species and their individuals in the laboratory. Therefore, although it is known that populations of microorganisms include a great diversity, this remains largely uncharacterized.
- Global biodiversity has declined between 2% and 11% during the 20th century due to land-use change alone, according to a large multi-model study. Projections show climate change could become the main driver of biodiversity decline by the mid-21st century.
- Cichlid fishes exhibit differing degrees of curiosity. The cause for this lies in their genes, as reported by researchers. This trait influences the cichlids' ability to adapt to new habitats.
- Scientists are using artificial intelligence software to analyze plant root systems, laying out a protocol that can be applied to gather data on crop and model plant phenotypes (physical characteristics) more efficiently and with equal or greater accuracy than existing methods.
- Many American companies are relying on carbon offsets to reduce their carbon footprint, especially those who have pledged to achieve 'net-zero emissions.' Sequestering carbon in forests is an example of a nature-based solution that is being used to address climate change, but a new study suggests that hurricanes could pose a risk. The results show that a single hurricane may wipe out 5% to 10% of total above-ground forest carbon, through tree damage, in New England.
- A groundbreaking study combined novel experimental data within an innovative modeling framework to examine how temperature might affect transmission risk of malaria in different environments in Africa.