Nine ‘Laws’ of Ecological Bloodymindedness by Ducan Brown
By Janpha Thadphoothon
I once attended an event in Canberra. To be precise, it was held at ANU or the National University of Australia. If my memory still serves me well, it was in 2004. At the even two books were lanched; one of which is called "Food or Feedback" by Prof Duncan Brown.
I bought one copy and the author himself gave me his autograph. The book remains one of my favorite books. Whenever I think of actions or what people do, the first law of his keeps nagging in my head urging me to look beyond what is obvious.
1. For every action on a complex, interactive, dynamic system, there are unintended and unexpected consequences. In general, the unintended consequences are recognized later than those that are intended.
The book tells us that our existing agricultural model is not sustainable. We soon will face crises. For me the most memorable part of this book is the part on the laws. Prof Duncan proposes that there are NINE laws we should bear in mind when we analyze or talk about any event dealing with complex phenomena.
The 9 laws are as follows:
1. For every action on a complex, interactive, dynamic system, there are unintended and unexpected consequences. In general, the unintended consequences are recognized later than those that are intended.
2 Any system in a state of positive feedback will destroy itself unless a limit is placed on the flow of energy through that system.
3. Any sedentary community, by virtue of its sedentism, will encounter problems of sanitation. The manner in which sanitation is managed will affect the manner in which supporting agriculture is managed.
4. For every increment in the agricultural surplus there is a corresponding increment in the volume of urban sewage.
5. Stability or resilience in ecosystems requires that all essential reactions within the system function within ranges of rates that are mutually compatible.
6. The long-term survival of any species of organism requires that all processes essential for the viability of that species function at rates that are co0mpatible with the overall functioning of the ecosystem of which that species is a part.
7. If any species of animal should develop the mental and physical capacity consciously to manage the ecosystem of which it is a part, and proceeds to do so, then the long-term survival of that species will require, as a minimum, that it understands the rate limits of all processes essential to the functioning of that ecosystem and that it operates within those limits.
8. Long-term stability or ‘sustainability’ in ecosystems (including agricultural systems) is dependent in part upon the recycling of nutrient elements wholly within the system or upon their replenishment from a renewable source, provided such replenishment is not itself dependent upon a finite source of energy.
9. If a population continues to grow exponentially it will eventually consume essential resources faster than they can be replenished. The provision of or access to additional resources will extend the ‘life’ of such resources, and hence the duration of growth of the population, only to a very small extent.
