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.
- New University of Minnesota research suggests "leaf glow" provides vital information on vegetation dynamics in Arctic and boreal ecosystems like Minnesota's forests and wetlands, which are among the fastest warming in the world. Using remote sensing to monitor the natural glow may help scientists better track climate change and its impact on our natural resources.
- In recent years, the scientific community has increasingly turned its attention to sustainable agriculture, aiming to maximize crop yield while minimizing environmental impact. A crucial aspect of this research involves understanding the fundamental processes of plant photosynthesis and how they can be monitored at scale.
- A study published April 25, in the journal Science provides the strongest evidence to date that not only is nature conservation successful, but that scaling conservation interventions up would be transformational for halting and reversing biodiversity loss—a crisis that can lead to ecosystem collapses and a planet less able to support life—and reducing the effects of climate change.
- 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 published in Science. 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 from the University of Basel in the journal Science. This trait influences the cichlids' ability to adapt to new habitats.
- 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 […]
- 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 […]
- 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 […]
- 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 […]
- IntroductionSoil salinity–alkalinity has emerged as a global problem affecting many ecosystems, including grassland. Plants evolve into different ecotypes to adapt to various environments. Leymus chinensis widely distributed in the eastern Eurasian steppe, has evolved into two main ecotypes: yellow–green(YG) and gray–green (GG). Studies on the adaption mechanisms of both ecotypes in response to saline–alkaline stress are limited.MethodsIn this study, the growth and physiological traits of ecotypes YG and GG in soils with different salinity–alkalinity levels—severe saline–alkaline soil (SS), moderate saline–alkaline soil (MS), and light saline–alkaline soil (LS)—were studied. After exposure to saline–alkaline […]
- 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.MethodsAccording to various censuses, Europe has […]
- 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. […]
- 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 […]
- 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 […]
- 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 development of sustainable agricultural production involves the use of new plant protection products, with low toxicity to non-target organisms and high biodegradability. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of commercially available preparations containing humic substances, in comparison with pure humic acids, on the growth and germination of spores of entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) from the genus Metarhizium in vitro. AmiAGRA, HumiAGRA, AlgoHUM (recommended field dose) and pure humic acids extracted from peat, brown coal and spent mushroom substrate were added to Sabouraud’s culture substrate. Observation of the growth […]
- Landscape preference emerges from the dynamic interaction between individuals and their environment and plays a pivotal role in the preservation and enhancement of the Chinese Grand Canal’s scenery. As a vast linear heritage, employing conventional methods for analyzing landscape preferences can be resource-intensive in terms of both time and labor. Amid the rapid advancement of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI), a cognitive framework for understanding the Chinese Grand Canal’s landscape preferences has been developed, encompassing two primary aspects: the characteristic features of landscape preference and its spatial organization. Geotagged photographs from […]
- This paper explores innovative strategies to enhance sustainable healthcare quality, emphasizing the pivotal role of organizational culture and placing a special focus on employee job satisfaction. Recognizing the indispensable nature of contented employees in delivering superior patient care, our discussion explores how an organizational culture that prioritizes optimized work processes, and a supportive work environment can significantly boost employee well-being. By mitigating workplace stress through the refinement of operations and the minimization of waste, healthcare organizations can foster a setting that greatly enhances job satisfaction. This enhancement, in turn, catalyzes superior patient […]
- Climate change affects water resources through the decrease in rainfall and the increase in temperatures and evapotranspiration. An indirect impact of climate change is also the increase in water uses by human activities. In this review, 320 papers were retrieved, of which 134, spanning five continents and dealing with impacts and solutions, were selected to be used to better understand the effects of climate change on water resources, ecosystems, human health, security, and socio-economic aspects. Here, suggestions and proposals towards solutions by scientists from around the world, tips and ideas to deal […]
- In the context of growing demand for road infrastructure expansion, sustainability is of key importance. Enhancing road construction technology ensures efficient, durable transportation infrastructure, vital for economic growth. Responsible road construction, especially in areas of historical and environmental significance, is essential. Preserving ecosystems and local heritage in road planning protects valuable areas and supports regional sustainability. Rural roads, often in forested areas, should maintain natural aesthetics. Economic challenges require flexible, efficient roads. Many existing unpaved roads, especially in rural and forest environments, fail to meet increasing traffic and load of heavy agricultural […]
- 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.
- 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.
- During the unusually dry year of 2018, Sweden was hit by numerous forest fires. A research team has investigated how climate change affects recently burnt boreal forests and their ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
- 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.