Tim Flannery, noted author, mammalogist, palaeontologist, environmentalist, and climate change expert, has a hopeful long-term view for the future of our species and planet. In his 17th book, Here on Earth, he explores the fundamental nature of our species and takes the view that we’re not simply about survival of the fittest, but instead adaptable, accommodating and capable of living sustainably.
Last night Flannery gave a talk at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in conjunction with an Earth Day celebration, in which he discussed evolution, the rise of superorganisms, the correlation between energy and climate, and the promise of greater connectivity to solve the world’s problems. He discussed Peter Ward’s ‘Medea’ thesis that says we are inherently destructive vs. James Lovelock’s ‘Gaia’ theory that Earth is a self-regulating system. He also referenced the ideas of Alfred Russel Wallace, as co-discoverer with Darwin of the theory of evolution, and a more subtle interpreter of evolution where cooperation is the key ingredient to survival rather than fitness.
Flannery sees our race as a great global superorganism, and views our ability to solve common problems as the means for optimism. He credits satellite imagery with reductions in deforestation, and has a vision for a virtual and modeled world as a new way to help answer the bigger questions that we face. He feels a need to move past the reductionist approach to science, although its good at answering small questions, and on to a modeled virtual world for big picture thinking.
Take a look at this video interview below with ABC Radio National of Australia to get a sense of the man and his optimism, particularly from 6:28 to 7:08 where he calls for a modeled world.
