[ECOLOG-L] Biblical Stewardship & Gender Solidarity

[Luis Gutierrez]

This may be of interest for those in the Judeo-Christian tradition who 
are interested in the intersection of gender solidarity and ecological 
sustainability.


Biblical Stewardship in the Anthropocene Age
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv08n07page1.html

In the review of Richard Bauckham's book on the Bible and Ecology, I 
discuss the implications for gender solidarity.


Luis

Luis T. Gutiérrez, PhD, PE
Mother Pelican: A Journal of Solidarity & Sustainability
http://www.pelicanweb.org/

[ECOLOG-L] Energy and the Wealth of Nations

[Luis Gutierrez]

This book review may be of interest:

Energy and the Wealth of Nations
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv08n03page1.html#eroibookreview

Luis T. Gutiérrez, PhD, PE
Mother Pelican: A Journal of Solidarity & Sustainability
Home Page 
Current Issue 

[ECOLOG-L] Mother Pelican & Human Development

[Luis Gutierrez]

For your consideration:

*Mother Pelican: A Journal of Sustainable Human Development*
Volume 7, Number 12, December 2011
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv07n10page1.html

*The Laxenburg Declaration on Population and Sustainable Development*
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv07n10page2.html

*Using the Maya Nut tree to increase ecological resilience ...*
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv07n10page2.html

*Advances in Sustainable Development*
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv07n12supp1.html

*Strategies for the Transition to Clean Energy*
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv07n12supp3.html

Luis T. Gutiérrez
Editor, Mother Pelican Journal
The Pelican Web of Solidarity and Sustainability
http://pelicanweb.org

[ECOLOG-L] Mitigation & Adaptation Strategies for Climate Change

[Luis Gutierrez]

Mother Pelican: A Journal of Sustainable Human Development

The November 2011 issue has been posted:
Theme ~ *Mitigation & Adaptation Strategies for Climate Change*
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv07n11page1.html

Articles on the following topics:

Role of the Social Sciences in Sustainable Development
Population Growth: 7 Billion
Peak Oil: A Chance to Change the World
Why We Must Tax Carbon, Not Subsidize It
Resource Scarcity, Fair Shares, and Development
History of the The Masculinity Conspiracy
Payments for Ecosystem Services & Climate Change
Prejudice against Muslims and Islam

Supplements

Advances in Sustainable Development
Directory of Sustainable Development Resources
Strategies for the Transition to Clean Energy
Tactics for the Transition to Clean Energy
Status of Gender Balance in Society
Status of Gender Balance in Religion

Sincerely,

Luis T. Gutiérrez, PhD, PE
The Pelican Web of Solidarity and Sustainability
Mother Pelican: A Journal of Sustainable Human Development

[ECOLOG-L] Mother Pelican Vol. 7 No. 10 October 2011

[Luis Gutierrez]

Greetings ... just to let you know about the current issue ...

*Mother Pelican: A Journal of Sustainable Human Development*

Theme - *Gender Balance for Solidarity and Sustainability*
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv07n10page1.html

Summary

It is proposed that gender balance - deeply internalized, not merely a 
matter of numbers - will be a source of "new energy" to overcome the 
masculinist culture of violence and domination. Gender balance can help 
individuals and nations to start considering both self-interest and the 
common good. "We have a special responsibility to the ecosystem of this 
planet. In making sure that other species survive we will be ensuring 
the survival of our own." Wangari Maathai, Kenya (+ 26 September 2011)


Gender balance at all levels of responsibility and authority can pave 
the way for a sensible transition from consumerism to sustainability. It 
can make possible the exploration of new initiatives such as 
transferring tax burdens from earned income to financial speculation, 
natural resource usage, and environmental degradation; declaring some 
form of debt jubilee and/or creating debt-free money by central and 
regional banks; enhancing distributive justice via a democratically set 
level of universal guaranteed personal income; balancing globalization 
with financial and monetary localization via local currencies and/or 
exchange trading systems; adopting business practices such as the triple 
bottom line; working out the economic and technological issues that must 
be resolved in order to migrate from fossil fuels to clean energy; 
consolidating democracy by firm adherence to the wise principles of 
solidarity, subsidiarity, and sustainability; and giving top priority to 
sustainable human development rather than unsustainable resource 
exploitation and wealth accumulation.


So there is no lack of reasonable ideas about ways to manage the 
transition, but political will is utterly lacking; and political will 
cannot possibly emerge as long as masculinist patriarchy remains 
normative. The transition from consumerism to sustainability has already 
started, even though it remains invisible for many. But attaining gender 
balance in human affairs, and the process toward energy balance and 
ecological sustainability, will reinforce each other in many significant 
and mutually beneficial ways. Gender balance is the catalyst that will 
brake the current impasse and get the process going. Since the 
"patriarchs" will seldom pour the catalyst down from the top, it must 
gently percolate upwards from the grassroots: individual citizens, 
families, groups, and local communities.


Articles

Editorial Essay ~ Gender Balance for Solidarity and Sustainability
Five Axioms of Sustainability, by Richard Heinberg
Will economic collapse save us from climate catastrophe?, by Dan Allen
The global prisoners' dilemma of unsustainability, by David Lempert
Population, Consumption, and Reproductive Health, by Victoria Markham
Economic Development Leaving Millions Behind, by Kanya D'Almeida
From King Coal to Carbon Tax, by Paul Sabin
The Masculinity Conspiracy - Part 1, by Joseph Gelfer
Land Rehabilitation in Burkina Faso , by Pauline Buffle and Chris Reij
A Proposal to Hasten a Global Paradigm Shift, by Judith Hand

Supplement 1: Advances in Sustainable Development
Supplement 2: Directory of Sustainable Development Resources
Supplement 3: Strategies for the Transition to Clean Energy
Supplement 4: Tactics for the Transition to Clean Energy
Supplement 5: Status of Gender Equality in Society
Supplement 6: Status of Gender Equality in Religion

Please forward this notice to friends and colleagues who might be 
interested.


Sincerely,
Luis

Luis T. Gutiérrez, PhD, PE
The Pelican Web of Solidarity and Sustainability
Mother Pelican: A Journal of Sustainable Human Development
http://pelicanweb.org

[ECOLOG-L] Re. Ecosystem engineers response to biogeography/habitat complexity --reference help?

[Luis Gutierrez]

Brittany,

The key issue of engineering ecology (or ecosystem engineering) is 
whether or not the human agent (engineering) is part of the ecosystem 
(both humans and the human habitat).  There are basically two schools of 
thought: anthropocentrism (the ecosystem is at the service of humans) 
and ecocentrism (the service of humans requires that humans take good 
care of the ecosystem). The best I have seen on this is "Ecological 
Ethics" by Patrick Curry, Polity, 2011.


Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, PhD PE
The Pelican Web of Solidarity and Sustainability
http://www.pelicanweb.org
the.pelican@gmail.com

--
Date:Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:38:16 -0400
From:=?ISO-8859-1?Q?Brittany_Huntington?= 
Subject: Ecosystem engineers response to biogeography/habitat complexity 
--reference help?


Ecologgers:

I am stumped with my literature searches to unearth papers on the
response of ecosystem engineers (richness and abundance) to metrics of
habitat heterogeneity.  In particular, I am interested in defining 
habitat heterogeneity with regards to spatial landscape metrics of 
habitat composition and configuration, and structural complexity.


I realize that by their very definition, ecosystem engineers create and
maintain the complex habitats that other species depend upon.  However, 
I am interested in references that investigate how important habitat

heterogeneity is to the foundation species themselves?

I work in coral communities myself but am interested in analogous
multi-species assemblages from the terrestrial world of habitat
engineers/foundation species (i.e. forest tree communities; grassland
communities).

Any leads to work assessing the influence of configuration or 
composition of habitat patches on foundation species/engineers would be 
appreciated!


Thank you,
Brittany

Brittany Huntington
Division of Marine Biology and Fisheries
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
University of Miami
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, FL 33149

[ECOLOG-L] Gender and Energy in Human Ecology

[Luis Gutierrez]

My latest article on human ecology may be of interest, and I would be 
delighted to get some feedback:


*The Confluence of Gender Balance and Energy Balance*
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv07n09page1.html

Summary

Energy balance is a non-negotiable requirement for a sustainable 
economy. Likewise, gender equality is crucial for a civilized transition 
to sustainability. That humanity must transition from fossil fuels to 
clean energy (and, more generally, from consumerism to sustainability) 
is no longer in doubt. The question now is whether the transition will 
be violent or peaceful - or at least civilized. It is argued that 
fostering gender balance in all roles of responsibility and authority is 
the best way to foster a civilized transition. Gender imbalance, with 
only (or even mostly) men making all key policy decisions, is 
biologically and psychologically bound to perpetuate the violence-prone 
patriarchal mentality of control and domination.


Most secular institutions worldwide already know by experience that 
gender balance mitigates violence and enhances capabilities for human 
development. Religious institutions that remain attached to 
theologically baseless patriarchal practices are doing a disservice to 
humanity by reinforcing resistance to gender equality and balance. The 
joint and fair resolution of gender balance and energy balance issues, 
which not insignificantly are emerging simultaneously at this point in 
human history, offers the best hope for a civilized transition to a 
sustainable world animated by solidarity, peace, and justice. It also 
offers the best hope for continuing progress in integral human development.


*Mother Pelican* is an interdisciplinary journal at the intersection of 
ecology, economics, psychology, technology management, gender equality, 
sociology of religion, and sustainability science and engineering.


Please forward this notice to friends and colleagues who might be 
interested.


Sincerely,
Luis

Luis T. Gutiérrez, PhD, PE
The Pelican Web of Solidarity and Sustainability
Mother Pelican: A Journal of Sustainable Human Development
http://pelicanweb.org

[ECOLOG-L] Clean Energy for Human Development

[Luis Gutierrez]

FYI

The June 2011 issue of *Mother Pelican* has been posted:

http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv07n06page1.html

Theme - *Clean Energy for Human Development*

Page 1. Editorial Opinion ~ Clean Energy for Human Development
Page 2. Wisdom in the Twenty-First Century, by Tom Lombardo
Page 3. Family Planning for a Sustainable Future, by Robert Engelman
Page 4. A Community's Struggle with Diversity, by Susan Clark et al
Page 5. Law of Rights of Mother Earth, by the Assembly of Bolivia
Page 6. Campaign for a Global Citizens Movement, by the Widening Circle
Page 7. Fate of Mountain Glaciers, by the Vatican Academy of Sciences
Page 8. The Baha'i Understanding of Gender Equality, by May Lample
Page 9. Gender Equity in Islam - Part 1, by Jamal Badawi

Supplement 1: Advances in Sustainable Development
Supplement 2: Directory of Sustainable Development Resources
Supplement 3: Status of the Transition to Clean Energy
Supplement 4: Status of Gender Equality in Society
Supplement 5: Status of Gender Equality in Religion

Please forward to friends and colleagues who might be interested.

Take care,
Luis

Luis T. Gutiérrez, PhD, PE
The Pelican Web of Solidarity and Sustainability
Mother Pelican: A Journal of Sustainable Human Development
http://pelicanweb.org

[ECOLOG-L] Mother Pelican + March 2011

[Luis Gutierrez]

For your consideration:

Mother Pelican - A Journal of Sustainable Human Development
Volume 7, Number 3, March 2011
Energy Transition, Homo Economicus, and Homo Ecologicus
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv07n03page1.html

This issue is focused on the transition from nonrenewable to renewable 
sources of energy, which is contingent on human adaptation from the 
economic mindset to the ecological mindset. The central concept is to 
mitigate the human propensity to consume and activate the human capacity 
to adapt.


Please forward this notice to friends and colleagues who might be 
interested.  Submission of research papers on sustainable human 
development is cordially invited.


Sincerely,
Luis

Luis T. Gutiérrez, PhD, PE
The Pelican Web of Solidarity and Sustainability
Mother Pelican: A Journal of Sustainable Human Development
A monthly, CC license, free subscription, open access e-journal

[ECOLOG-L] Technological Innovation for Human Development

[Luis Gutierrez]

For your consideration:

Mother Pelican - A Journal of Sustainable Human Development
Volume 7, Number 2, February 2011
Technological Innovation for Human Development
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv07n02page1.html

Articles
Page 1. Technological Innovation for Human Development
Page 2. 2011: The year we’ll hit 7 billion, by Lisa Hyman
Page 3. A Conversation on Happiness, by Derek Ross
Page 4. Human Dignity and Diversity Training, by Susan Clark
Page 5. Globalization and Collective Violence, by Thomas Scheff
Page 5. Impact of Increased Global Food Prices, by Sara Gustafson
Page 6. The Biology of Globalization, by Elisabet Sahtouris
Page 7. Technology Breakthrough with a Fatal Flaw, by Promode Kant
Page 7. Ethical Analysis-Cancun Climate Negotiations, by Donald Brown
Page 8. Sex and Nonviolence, by Symon Hill
Page 9. A Synopsis of Socioeconomic Democracy, by Robley George

Supplements
Supp1. Advances in Sustainable Development
Supp2. Directory of Sustainable Development Resources
Supp3. Sustainable Development Simulation (SDSIM) Version 1.4
Supp4. Budapest Call for Climate Justice (World Council of Churches)

Please forward this notice to friends and associates. Submission of 
research papers on solidarity, sustainability, and sustainable human 
development is cordially invited.


Sincerely,
Luis

Luis T. Gutiérrez, PhD, PE
The Pelican Web of Solidarity and Sustainability
Mother Pelican: A Journal of Sustainable Human Development
A monthly, CC license, free subscription, open access e-journal
http://pelicanweb.org

[ECOLOG-L] Mother Pelican ~ January 2011

[Luis Gutierrez]

ECOLOG-L @ Univ of Maryland ... for your consideration:

Mother Pelican - A Journal of Sustainable Human Development
Volume 7, Number 1, January 2011
Climate Change: A Test Case in Human Development
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv07n01page1.html

Articles
   Page 1. Editorial ~ A Christmas Reflection on Being Human
   Page 2. Envisioning a Sustainable World, by Donella H. Meadows
   Page 3. The power to create a better world is already ours, by John 
Bunzl

   Page 4. Rare Earths Diplomacy, by Sean Daly
   Page 5. A Real Solution to Global Debt Crises, by Julia Dowling
   Page 6. Flaws in Human Mentality: A few thoughts on the subject, by 
Copthorne Macdonald

   Page 7. Sustainable Growth Is An Oxymoron, by Rudy M. Baum
   Page 8. Faith in service: What has gender got to do with it?, by 
Mariz Tadros
   Page 9. What the New Human Development Index tells us about Africa, 
by Francisco R. Rodriguez


Supplements
   Supp1. Advances in Sustainable Development
   Supp2. Directory of Sustainable Development Resources
   Supp3. Sustainable Development Simulation (SDSIM) Version 1.4
   Supp4. Budapest Call for Climate Justice (WCC, November 2010)

Please forward this notice to friends and associates who might be 
interested.  Submission of research papers on sustainable human 
development is cordially invited.


Sincerely,
Luis

Luis T. Gutiérrez, PhD, PE
The Pelican Web ~ http://pelicanweb.org
Editor, Mother Pelican: A Journal of Sustainable Human Development
A monthly, CC license, free subscription, open access e-journal

[ECOLOG-L] Mother Pelican - November 2010

[Luis Gutierrez]

Mother Pelican is a journal on sustainable human development.  It is 
named in honor of the Human Being that "Mother Pelican" represents.  The 
November 2010 issue has been posted:


What is the Root Cause of Unsustainable Development?
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv06n11page1.html

Articles:
1. Editorial Opinion ~ The Root Cause of Unsustainable Development
2. The Economics of Natality, by Ina Praetorius
3. The Case for Working with our Cultural Values, by Tom Crompton
4. The First Woman Priest, by José Ignacio González Faus
5. Reducing Inequality: The Missing MDG, by Sakiko Fukuda-Parr
6. The Values of Everything, by George Monbiot
7. Reflections on Paying Living Wages, by Rita M. Rodriguez
8. Ecological Perspectives on Business Decision-Making, by Ilia Delio
9. Adam and Eve and the Gender Divide, by John R. Coates

Supplements:
1. Advances in Sustainable Development
2. Directory of Sustainable Development Resources
3. Sustainable Development Simulation (SDSIM) Version 1.2

Please forward to friends and associates who might be interested. 
Submission of research papers at the intersection of sustainable 
development and gender equality is cordially invited.


Sincerely,
Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D.
The Pelican Web (http://www.pelicanweb.org)
Editor, Mother Pelican: A Journal of Sustainable Development
A monthly, CC license, free subscription, open access e-journal

[ECOLOG-L] Mother Pelican ~ Vol 6 No 9 September 2010

[Luis Gutierrez]

The PelicanWeb's Journal of Sustainable Development has been renamed 
*Mother Pelican* in honor of the Human Being she represents.


The September 2010 issue has been posted, and this is the link to the 
front page: http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv06n09page1.html


*The UN MDG Review Summit*
 1. The UN MDG Review Summit
 2. Review of the "Keeping the Promise" Report
 3. Opportunities for Collaboration/Participation
 4. Key References and Workings Documents
 5. Planned MDG Summit Meeting Agenda

The main focus of the September issue is an analysis of the main 
obstacles to sustainable development with specific focus on MDG3 (gender 
equality) and MDG8 (partnerships for development).


Supplements (September Updates):

 Supplement 1: Advances in Sustainable Development
 Supplement 2: Directory of Sustainable Development Resources
 Supplement 3: Sustainable Development Simulation (SDSIM)

The basic objective of this web-based simulation model is to stimulate 
discussion on policy priorities. Specifically, what is the top priority 
 economic development or human development?  In other words, what 
are the trade-offs between pursuing further economic growth and 
investing in human well-being?


Articles:

  Declaration of Independence from Wall Street, by David Korten
  Seizing the Moment for Clean Energy, by Ann Florini
  Towards a New Economy and a New Politics, by Gus Speth

Feedback to the editor is always welcome!

Sincerely,
Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D.
The Pelican Web (http://pelicanweb.org)
Editor, PelicanWeb's Journal of Sustainable Development
A monthly, CC license, free subscription, open access e-journal

[ECOLOG-L] Sustainable Development Simulation (SDSIM) Feedback Request

[Luis Gutierrez]

Greetings!

The objective of the Sustainable Development Simulation (SDSIM) is to 
analyze trade-offs between human development and economic development 
priorities.


This is to let you know that I have just posted some documentation on 
the SDSIM model and user interface:


Sustainable Development Simulation (SDSIM) Version 1- General Description
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv06n08page1supp3.html

Sustainable Development Simulation (SDSIM) Version 1- User Interface
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv06n08page1supp4.html

This is just a rough draft, but any comments would be appreciated, and I 
would be grateful if you forward this notice to anyone who might be 
interested.


If anyone has the STELLA software, I would be happy to send you the 
SDSIMV1.STM file, which includes the user interface, the complete flow 
diagram, and the annotated list of equations.


I know everybody is busy, but now I need some critical reviews to 
determine if my work is on the right path toward something that could be 
useful.  In particular, please take a look at the BIOSPHERE INTEGRITY, 
CLIMATE INTEGRITY, and ECOLOGICAL CAPITAL sectors and how they tie 
together with the demographic, economic, social, and human development 
sectors.


No rush  when time permits, OK?

Sincerely,
Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D.
The Pelican Web (http://pelicanweb.org)
Editor, PelicanWeb's Journal of Sustainable Development
A monthly, CC license, free subscription, open access e-journal

[ECOLOG-L] September 2010 UN MDG Summit

[Luis Gutierrez]

As you probably know, the UN is planning a summit meeting on the
"Millennium Development Goals" (MDGs). The objective is to review the
current status of the MDGs going forward toward the 2015 targets.

This will be a summit meeting of the general assembly, and will take
place in New York, 20-22 September 2010. For more information see the
summit web site - http://www.un.org/en/mdg/summit2010/

You may also want to see my recent article, "The UN MDG Summit ~
September 2010," a review and commentary on the information becoming
available online: http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv06n06page1.html

This will be an important meeting for the future of sustainable
development and climate change management worldwide.

Take care,
Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D.
The Pelican Web (http://pelicanweb.org)
Editor, PelicanWeb's Journal of Sustainable Development
A monthly, CC license, free subscription, open access e-journal

[ECOLOG-L] PW Journal of Sustainable Development ~ October 2009

[Luis Gutierrez]

This is to let you know that the October 2009 issue has been posted.

http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n10page1.html

This is Part 7 of the series on education for sustainable development.
It includes a section on the socio-ecological context for integral human 
development that hopefully is of interest to members of ECOLOG-L.


http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n10page1.html#section6

Links to the invited papers:

Ecohumanism as a Developmental Crossing ~ Leslaw Michnowski (Poland)
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n10page2michnowski2.html

No Fishhooks ~ Bruce Bridgeman (USA)
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n10page3bridgeman2.html

Education Based Only on Reason is Incomplete ~ Rowan Williams (UK)
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n10page4rowanwilliams.html

Psychosynthesis & Integral Human Development ~ Ewa Bialek (Poland)
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n10page5ewabialek.html

Best regards,
Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, PhD
Editor, PelicanWeb Journal of Sustainable Development
http://www.pelicanweb.org ~ peli...@pelicanweb.org
A monthly, free subscription, open access e-journal.

[ECOLOG-L] August 2009 Journal of Sustainable Development

[Luis Gutierrez]

There is evidence that the exclusion of women from roles of religious
authority is an obstacle to the *integral human development of both men
and women*. Another conclusion is the incentives (including subsidies),
as well as disincentives, are the best leverage points that must be
democratically adjusted/revised to steer societies and economies from
the current mess toward sustainable development.

Consider the following report:
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n08page1.html

Link to a survey on education for sustainable development:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dER6YnFIUXI4bW0yNTU4YThOaHJkTWc6MA..

You are cordially invited to participate.

Best regards,
Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, PhD
Editor, PelicanWeb Journal of Sustainable Development
http://www.pelicanweb.org ~ peli...@pelicanweb.org
A monthly, free subscription, open access e-journal.

[ECOLOG-L] ~ Reminder ~ ESD Survey Version 1.6

[Luis Gutierrez]

REMINDER ... a survey on education for sustainable development (ESD)
is online.  The objective is to gather an inventory of critical issues
that frequently emerge in sustainable development.

The eight UNESCO themes are as follows:
1. Education for gender equality
2. Education for health promotion
3. Education for environmental stewardship
4. Education for rural development
5. Education for cultural diversity
6. Education for peace and human security
7. Education for sustainable urbanization
8. Education for sustainable consumption

The are 16 questions (2 questions per UNESCO theme) ... should take no
more than 30 minutes ... this is the link 

http://tinyurl.com/movr9w

Please forward this message to colleagues who might be interested.

Take care,
-- Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, PhD
Editor, PelicanWeb Journal of Sustainable Development
This is a monthly, free subscription, open access e-journal.
http://pelicanweb.org ~ peli...@pelicanweb.org

[ECOLOG-L] PelicanWeb Journal of Sustainable Development ~ July 2009

[Luis Gutierrez]

The PelicanWeb Journal of Sustainable Development
Volume 5, Number 7, July 2009

These are the main links:

Page 1 - Education for Sustainable Development (Part 4, Survey 1.6)
Evolution of the survey design, instrument, and responses
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n07page1.html

Page 2 - Living by the Breath of God: A spirituality of God’s Desire
Guest article by Andrew Marr, OSB
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n07page2marr.html

Page 3 - Determining the Role of Adult Education in the Process for
Building the Culture of Sustainable Development
Guest article by Pauline McLean, PhD
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n07page3mclean.html

ESD Test Survey Version 1.6 (abbreviated, only 16 questions)
This is the link ...
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=ckZzb1dybVJ5RGZuQS1naUR2RDVIT1E6MA..

Please take the survey  16 questions, should take no more than 30
minutes  and please forward this notice to friends who might be
interested!

Take care,
-- Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D.
Editor, PelicanWeb Journal of Sustainable Development
http://www.pelicanweb.org/  ~  peli...@pelicanweb.org
This is a monthly, free subscription, open access e-journal.



--
Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D.
Editor, PelicanWeb Journal of Sustainable Development
http://www.pelicanweb.org/  ~  peli...@pelicanweb.org
This is a monthly, free subscription, open access e-journal.

[ECOLOG-L] Survey on education for sustainable development (V1.5)

[Luis Gutierrez]

Version 1.5 of a survey on education for sustainable development is
online.  The objective is to gather an inventory of critical issues that
are unavoidable in sustainable development.  Many interactions between
social, economic, environmental, and other factors are included, but
there may be more.  *Hope you all can participate!*

This is the link:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cnoyc2ZKeF9RSDFiQkw2eTZzdGszMGc6MA..

Make sure you click on "submit" at the end so that your responses are
recorded.  If you want to take a look at the database:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=rz2sfJx_QH1bBL6y6stk30g&output=html

The first link above has an intro.  For more background info on Version
1.5 and the previous versions of the survey:

http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n06page1.html

FYI, there is also a new article, very instructive and very timely:

Revisiting the Limits to Growth After Peak Oil,
by Charles Hall and John Day
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n06page2halldayamsci.html

Please participate, we need to know about issues that may be missing!

Thanks,
Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, PhD
Editor, PelicanWeb Journal of Sustainable Development
http://pelicanweb.org
peli...@pelicanweb.org

[ECOLOG-L] Consultation on Education for Sustainable Development

[Luis Gutierrez]

Your are cordially invited to participate in a

"Consultation on Education for Sustainable Development"

The agenda includes the eight educational priorities defined by UNESCO:

1. Gender equity
2. Human health
3. Environmental stewardship
4. Rural development
5. Cultural diversity
6. Human security
7. Sustainable urbanization
8. Sustainable consumption

Version 1 of the online consultation survey is already online:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cDNoNGlfcDh6NmQ0NUFGTjhjampxVmc6MA..

Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D.
Editor, E-Journal of Solidarity, Sustainability, and Nonviolence
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisust.html
This is a monthly, free subscription, open access e-journal.

[ECOLOG-L] Education for Sustainable Development

[Luis Gutierrez]

Greetings!

The E-Journal of Solidarity, Sustainability, and Nonviolence (SSNV) is
launching a new series on education for sustainable development.

This is the link:

http://pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n04page1.html

To get started on this new series, you are invited to a consultation on
educational priorities for sustainable development. A preliminary test
version of the consultation form is online:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cDNoNGlfcDh6NmQ0WTVPNllqRlNSVVE6MA..

Participants can view the results in spreadsheet format:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=p3h4i_p8z6d4Y5O6YjFSRUQ&hl=en

See page 1 for more on how the consultation will proceed.  Even though
this is a preliminary test, your participation and feedback are critical
for this exercise to yield new insights that may be useful to
sustainable development professionals.  Please participate!

Comments, suggestions, questions, problems ... please let me know.

Thanks,
Luis
_
Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D.
Editor, E-Journal of Solidarity, Sustainability, and Nonviolence
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisust.html
This is a monthly, free subscription, open access e-journal.

[ECOLOG-L] The Sustainable Development Paradox - Part 3

[Luis Gutierrez]

The March 2009 issue of the

E-Journal of Solidarity, Sustainability, and Nonviolence (SSNV)

is online.  This is the third issue of the "sustainable development
paradox" series, and includes a synthesis of all the nformation,
analysis  and conclusions for the three-part series.  A critical
conclusion is that sustainable development is impossible without gender
equality in both secular and religious institutions.

Part 1 - January 2009 - http://pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n01.html
Part 2 - February 2009 - http://pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n02page1.html
Part 3 - March 2009 - http://pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n03page1.html

The March 2009 issue is enhanced by two "invited articles" from
distinguished authors. The April 2009 issue will start a new series on
the educational dimension of sustainable development.

SSNV is a monthly, free subscription, open access e-journal.

Sincerely,
Luis
__
Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D.
The Pelican Web
http://pelicanweb.org/
Editor, Solidarity, Sustainability, and Nonviolence
http://pelicanweb.org/solisust.html

[ECOLOG-L] The Sustainable Development Paradox

[Luis Gutierrez]

The January 2009 issue of the E-Journal of Solidarity, Sustainability,
and Nonviolence has been posted.  As always, it is open access.  Simply
click the following link:

The Sustainable Development Paradox
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n01.html

A series of articles on "dimensions of sustainable development" is being
published.  The January 2009 issue shows the impossibility of
integrating the social, economic, and political dimensions of
sustainable development unless homo economicus becomes homo solidarius.

Please post and/or forward this notice to friends and colleagues who
might be interested in the complex issues of human  development,
international solidarity, and environmental sustainability.
See the archive for links to previously posted issues (annotated with
content outlines):

May 2005 to December 2008
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisust.html

The current economic and environmental crises confirm the importance of
the issues we are researching.  Any feedback is deeply appreciated.

Sincerely,
Luis
_
Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D.
The Pelican Web
Editor, Solidarity, Sustainability, and Nonviolence
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisust.html

[ECOLOG-L] Nuptial Dimension of Sustainable Development

[Luis Gutierrez]

Hello,

Please post and/or forward this notice to friends/associates who might
be interested in issues of solidarity, sustainability, spirituality, and
nonviolence.

+ + +

The August 2008 issue of "Solidarity, Sustainability, and Nonviolence"
has been posted.

Nuptial Dimension of Sustainable Development - Part 4
Solidarity, Sustainability, and Nonviolence, V4 N8 August 2008
http://pelicanweb.org/solisustv04n08.html

This is the fourth part in the series on the nuptial dimension of
sustainable development:

+ Nuptial Dimension of Sustainable Development - Part 1
  o The Nuptial Covenant of Man and Woman
  o http://pelicanweb.org/solisustv04n05.html

+ Nuptial Dimension of Sustainable Development - Part 2
  o The Gift of Love and the Gift of Life
  o http://pelicanweb.org/solisustv04n06.html

+ Nuptial Dimension of Sustainable Development - Part 3
  o The Web of Love and the Web of Life
  o http://pelicanweb.org/solisustv04n07.html

+ Nuptial Dimension of Sustainable Development - Part 4
  o The Nuptial Covenant between Humanity and the Human Habitat
  o http://pelicanweb.org/solisustv04n08.html

I would be grateful for any feedback from readers.

Sincerely,

Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D.
Editor, "Solidarity, Sustainability, and Non-Violence"
Home page: http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisust.html

[ECOLOG-L] The Human Dimension of Sustainable Development

[Luis Gutierrez]

FYI ...

The following have been posted:

Solidarity, Sustainability, and Nonviolence V4 N3 March 2008
Theme: The Human Dimension of Sustainable Development
http://pelicanweb.org/solisustv04n03.html

Hope this is useful to you; not by providing definitive answers,
but by suggesting significant questions.

In preparation:


Solidarity, Sustainability, and Nonviolence V4 N4 April 2008
Theme: The Gender Dimension of Sustainable Development


Any questions you might want to suggest for the April issue?

Sincerely,
Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, PhD
Editor, SSNV Research Newsletter
http://pelicanweb.org/solisust.html

Spiritual Dimension of Sustainable Development

[Luis Gutierrez]

FYI  the following free-access newsletter has been posted:

Solidarity, Sustainability, and Non-Violence, February 2008
http://pelicanweb.org/solisustv04n02.html

Main theme: SPIRITUAL DIMENSION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Contents include:

1.  Religious Freedom and the U.N. Millennium Development Goals
2.  Religion as a Primarily Human Initiative
3.  Spirituality as a Primarily Divine Initiative
4.  A Critical Analysis of Patriarchy and Patriarchal Religions
5.  The Democratic Alternative to Patriarchal Governance
6.  The Spirituality of Sustainable Development
7.  Update on Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom Resources
8.  Prayer, Study, and Action (with letter by Erica Jong)
9.  Links to Archived Newsletters and Other Resources

INVITED PAPER by Aaron Milavec, Catherine of Siena Virtual College
http://pelicanweb.org/solisustv04n02milavec.html

Please forward this notice to anyone who might be interested.

Any comments, questions, or concerns -- please get in touch.

Sincerely,
Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, PhD
Editor, SSNV Research Newsletter
http://pelicanweb.org/solisust.html

Religious Dimension of Sustainable Development

[Luis Gutierrez]

The Vol. 4, No. 1, January 2008 issue of the Solidarity, Sustainability,
and Non-Violence (SSNV) Research Newsletter has been posted.  The theme
this month is: "Religious Dimension of Sustainable Development."

The link is: http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv04n01.html

The summary (abstract) is pasted below.  I would be grateful for any
feedback (positive/negative/in-between). Please let me hear from you.

With best wishes for a good 2008,
Luis
-
SUMMARY

The theme of the month is "religious dimension of sustainable
development." There is a religious dimension to the United Nations'
"Millennium Development Goals" (MDGs), and there is a religious
dimension to human nature and everything we do. Religion is both
indispensable and dangerous. It is indispensable to attain full human
development beyond the physical, biological, and intellectual levels. It
is dangerous when it degenerates into fanatical delusions about the
absolute superiority of any particular religion, and then leads to
religious intolerance and religious violence.

Many consider religion to be a controversial topic. But, after millennia
of misconceptions about religion, we now have scientific evidence
(initially via the Swiss Psychiatrist Carl Jung) that religion is
essential for human beings to become fully human. This being the case,
our 2007 analyses of the MDGs is incomplete as long as some insight of
the religious influences on the implementation of the MDGs is not
provided. A difficult subject, but it cannot be avoided.

In particular, religion is often an incentive (positive or negative) for
the transition from patriarchy to solidarity, sustainability, and human
development. Granted that financial gain (or loss) will probably remain
as the key incentive for people to change behavior during our lifetime,
futures research entails considering all conceivable possibilities. For
instance, Abraham Lincoln once stated: "When I do good, I feel good;
when I do bad, I feel bad. That's my religion." Lincoln's "religion"
many not qualify as religion in some quarters, but it points to the fact
that, deep in the human psyche, there is the voice of conscience; the
voice of God who abides in us but is bigger than us.

After a brief summary of the MDGs (or "MDGs+1" when religious
development is considered), evidence is presented that a cultural
transition is needed to support both social justice and environmental
justice at all levels. This cultural transition will entail changes in
human behavior that often cannot be accomplished even when there are
financial incentives. Indeed, it is hard to imagine any such transition
happening without incentives that are stronger than financial gain
and/or resources for domination. Since the power of religion as
incentive for changing human behavior (for good or bad) is pervasive, it
seems reasonable to research this angle next. This religious dimension
has not been absent from any of the previous issues of this newsletter,
but now it will become central.

Incentives from a religious perspective are discussed for overcoming
patriarchy and fostering social solidarity, environmental
sustainability, and human development. In considering this material, it
is essential to distinguish between "religion" and "religious
institutions." Authentic religion is the expression of our relationship
with God, and it is "good, good, good." Institutionalized religion can
be "good, bad, or some mix of good and bad." Some specific religious
institutions are mentioned. The intent is never to deny the significant
amount of good done by those institutions. However, nothing human is
above criticism. Religious institutions often need reformations, just
like all other human institutions often need reformations. Some
religious persons may feel uncomfortable. As always, we shall adhere to
the principle of analysis based on objective evidence. Updates of the
SSNV-MDG knowledge taxonomy and links database continue as time permits.
The current version shows the links sorted by mega-disciplines, and
within each mega-discipline by MDGs. This is "work in progress" but you
are cordially invited to take a look at this resource and download it
(free) for your own use (two options: HTML Web Page or EXCEL Spreadsheet).

This month's invited paper is "Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of
Women and Men," a reflection by the National Spiritual Assembly of the
Baha'is of the United States, published in 1997. The Baha'i religious
tradition emerged in Persia (now Iran) in the 18th century. It is the
first major religious movement that explicitly includes gender equality
as a core belief.

GEO4 and MEA

[Luis Gutierrez]

Hello,

I am looking for good reviews of two UN publications:

General Environmental Outlook 4 (GEO4), UNEP, October 2007
http://www.unep.org/geo/geo4/media/index.asp

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, UNEP, 2005
http://www.maweb.org/en/index.aspx

Can anyone let me know where to find them?

Thanks,
Luis


Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D., P.E.
The Pelican Web  http://pelicanweb.org/
SSNV Newsletter  http://pelicanweb.org/solisust.html
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

MDG 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability

[Luis Gutierrez]

NOTICE

The July 2007 issue of the SSNV newsletter has been posted:

Solidarity, Sustainability, and Non-Violence (SSNV)
Volume 3, Number 7, July 2007
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv03n07.html

The central theme is MDG7: ENSURE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

The August 2007 issue is in preparation - the central theme will be

  MDG8: BUILD A GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR DEVELOPMENT

The SSNV newsletter is a free monthly service of The Pelican Web.

As always, feedback and collaboration are welcome.

Luis

--
Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D.
Website: The Pelican Web
http://www.pelicanweb.org/pelweb.html
Newsletter: Solidarity, Sustainability, and Non-Violence
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisust.html
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

June issue HIV/AIDS -- July issue SUSTAINABILITY

[Luis Gutierrez]

The June 2007 issue of the SSNV newsletter has been posted:

Solidarity, Sustainability, and Non-Violence (SSNV)
Volume 3, Number 6, June 2007
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv03n06.html

This issue includes:

-  Analysis of the U.N. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

-- Focus on MDG 6: FIGHTING THE HIV/AIDS EPIDEMIC
-- Special focus on human trafficking as a contributing factor
-- Combined analysis of MDGs 1 to 8

-  Review of the Mimetic Theory website
-  A digest of new human development resources on the web
-  An invited article, "Perils of Elite Pacting," by Patrick Bond,
 University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

The July issue will focus on MDG 7:

   ENSURE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
   INCLUDING PHYSICAL, SOCIAL, AND ECOLOGICAL FACTORS

The SSNV newsletter is a free monthly service of The Pelican Web.

Sincerely,
Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D.
Editor, Solidarity, Sustainability, and Non-Violence
http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisust.html

August 2006 newsletter posted

[Luis Gutierrez]

Dear friends:

The August 2006 issue of
"Solidarity, Sustainability, and Religious Violence"
has been posted.

http://www.pelican-consulting.com/solisustv02n08.html

Kind regards,
Luis

-- 
Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D.
Research on Solidarity, Sustainability, and Religious Violence
Free newsletter (donations gratefully accepted)
http://pelican-consulting.com/solisust.html
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Solidarity & Sustainability ~ Volume 2, Number 6, June 2006

[Luis Gutierrez]

FYI  starting to look for people willing to write short articles
about the impacts of religious patriarchies on human solidarity,
ecological sustainability, social justice, etc, etc, etc.

Take care,
Luis
-
The June 2006 issue of "Solidarity & Sustainability" has been posted:

Solidarity & Sustainability ~ Volume 2, Number 6, June 2006
http://www.pelican-consulting.com/solisustv02n06.html

This is the third issue in the series, "Mimetic Violence in Patriarchal
Religions."  René Girard's mimetic theory is applied to a relatively
recent episode in the Roman Catholic Church.  Specifically, this case
example pertains to the male-only priesthood, and the manner in which
the discernment process on the ordination of women was "terminated" (at
least temporarily) by the Vatican.  The analysis includes the five
Girardian phases: mimetic desire, mimetic rivalry, skandalon,
scapegoating, and sacred violence.

There is no implication of intentional wrongdoing by anyone at the
Vatican or elsewhere.  However, a radical renunciation of violence is
postulated as indispensable to make progress toward human solidarity and
environmental  sustainability.  Religious institutions must show the way
by renouncing the triple patriarchal addiction to wealth accumulation,
absolute power, and worldly honors; thereby renouncing violence.  If
religious institutions really want to be instruments of peace, they
better practice non-violence in their own internal affairs.

Any feedback is gratefully received.

Sincerely,
Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D., P.E.
Editor, Solidarity & Sustainability Research Newsletter
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

P.S.  The July 2006 issue is in preparation.  Please forward this notice
to people who might be interested on the impact of patriarchal religions
to global issues of solidarity, sustainability, and gender equity.

Solidarity & Sustainability ~ Volume 2, Number 4, April 2006

[Luis Gutierrez]

SOLIDARITY & SUSTAINABILITY

"Solidarity & Sustainability" is a free, monthly research newsletter on
the social, economic, and ecological impacts of religious patriarchy.
The April 2006 issue has been posted:

Solidarity & Sustainability ~ Volume 2, Number 4, April 2006

The issue theme is "Mimetic Violence in Patriarchal Religions."  René
Girard's mimetic theory is applied to the early formation of religious
traditions.  It is shown how the patriarchal mindset (in both secular
and religious institutions) is rooted in violence and perpetuates
cultural and psychological obstacles to human development projects, such
as the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals.  An scenario is
postulated on how to overcome such obstacles.

Any feedback is gratefully received.  The May 2006 issue is in preparation.

Sincerely,
Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D., P.E.
Editor, Solidarity & Sustainability Research Newsletter
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

P.S.  Please forward this notice to people who might be interested on
the impact of patriarchal religions on global issues of solidarity,
sustainability, and gender equity.

Re: Solidarity & Sustainability

[Luis Gutierrez]

Mike-WLD Larson wrote:

> I think human population size is still only part of the issue.
> Continuous growth in the per capita rate of resource consumption is
> just as unsustainable as continuous growth in abundance.  Therefore,
> I think economic growth--a function of population size and per capita
> consumption and quantified by indexes like GDP--is a fundamental
> metric by which movement toward sustainability could be monitored.

Excellent point.  The best representation I have seen of this reality is 
the "ecocosm paradox" diagram (and paper) by Fey and Lam:

http://ecocosmdynamics.org/ED/fig16.asp

Luis

-- 
Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D., P.E.
Quality, Productivity, and Sustainability Consulting
http://pelican-consulting.com
Solidarity & Sustainability Research Newsletter
http://pelican-consulting.com/solisust.html
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Re: SUSTAINABILITY Definition needed? Re: Solidarity & Sustainability V2 N3 March 2006

[Luis Gutierrez]

Leah Gibbons and Brandon Yarborough wrote:

> Talking about what "sustainability" means is important, but what is more 
> important is 
> that we actually DO IT! Does anyone know of any people, businesses, 
> governments, 
> societies, cultures actually practicing sustainability? I recently learned of 
> an 
> incredible concept and company helping people live sustainably. So far, this 
> is the best 
> example I have seen and is what I believe to be the best hope for our future. 
> Check it 
> out at www.mbdc.com. Something you won't find on this website is one of the 
> company's 
> most recent projects--a totally sustainable city built for 2 million people. 
> Amazing!! 
> If it can be done at all, it can be done world-wide. It's only a matter of 
> how badly we 
> want it.

Hello Leah and Brandon,

I am familiar with the excellent work of architect William McDonough, 
but I doubt that "If it can be done at all, it can be done world-wide. 
It's only a matter of how badly we want it."  Just as we cannot reverse 
the law of gravity no matter how much we might wish to do so, attaining 
sustainability is unfeasible if you want to include 6 billion people. 
There is no single technical or financial fix.  The best hope for the 
future is (I think) to grow in human solidarity and renounce all forms 
of violence -- physical, psychological, economic, ecological, etc.

Luis

Re: SUSTAINABILITY Definition needed? Re: Solidarity & Sustainability V2 N3 March 2006

[Luis Gutierrez]

Leah Gibbons and Brandon Yarborough wrote:

> How about this:
> 
> Sustainable--a practice, product, service, etc. that meets the needs of 
> current generations without compromising the ability to meet the needs of 
> future generations.

Hello Leah,

Sustainability is a complex concept and I don't think there is any 
"standard" definition.  If memory serves, the one you suggest is similar 
to the Brundlant definition.  Recently I found a useful compilation of 
definitions:

http://sustainabilityed.org/what/education_for_sustainability/what_is_sustainability.html

I like this one:

"Sustainability is a dynamic condition which requires a basic 
understanding of the interconnections and interdependency among 
ecological, economic and social systems. Sustainability means providing 
a rich quality of life for all, and accomplishing this within the means 
of nature."  Jaimie P. Cloud, Cloud Institute, www.cloudinstitute.org

I would switch the order of the two sentences, but the first sentence 
makes it clear that policy design for sustainability always requires 
inter-disciplinaryr analysis.

Luis

Solidarity & Sustainability V2 N3 March 2006

[Luis Gutierrez]

INVITATION TO SUBSCRIBE AND COLLABORATE in my retirement project 

"Solidarity & Sustainability" is a free, monthly research newsletter on
the social, economic, and ecological impacts of religious patriarchy.
The March 2006 issue has just been posted:

Solidarity & Sustainability ~ Volume 2, Number 3, March 2006
http://www.pelican-consulting.com/solisustv02n03.html

The issue theme is "Patriarchy and Mimetic Violence."  This issue
applies René Girard's mimetic theory to show  how the patriarchal
mindset (in both secular and religious institutions) is rooted in
violence and perpetuates cultural and psychological obstacles to the
United Nations' Millennium Development Goals.  It also shows that it is
utterly possible to overcome such obstacles.

Please forward this notice to persons who are interested in the complex
dynamics of secular and religious patriarchy, gender equity, solidarity,
sustainability, sustainable human development, and related global issues.

Any feedback is gratefully received.  Authors are cordially invited to
submit brief papers relevant to solidarity and sustainability issues.
The April 2006 issue is in preparation.

Sincerely,
Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D., P.E.
Editor, Solidarity & Sustainability Research Newsletter
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

To subscribe, send a blank email to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Temporary home page: http://www.pelican-consulting.com/solisust.html

Re: math modelling

[Luis Gutierrez]

Bill Silvert wrote:

> Someone asked for the Starfield citation, he has written quite a few books 
> and papers, but his classic is: Starfield, A.M. and A.L. Bleloch. 1991. 
> Building Models for Conservation and Wildlife Management. Second edition, 
> The Burgess Press, Edina, Minnesota. It's hard to find and the title is 
> awful, but it's a really good book. I particularly like his concept of 
> "frames" which offers a way to deal with discontinuities such as 
> metamorphosis.

Thanks Bill!

> I guess I'll put in a plug for one of my own papers, Silvert, William. 2001. 
> Modelling as a Discipline. Int. J. General Systems 30: 261-282. A Polish 
> translation was published  in the "Projektowanie i Systemy" volume XVII in 
> 2004, and the PDF (of the English version) is on the web at 
> http://bill.silvert.org/pdf.

Goodness ... excellent website!

Have you tried ecosystem modeling using "system dynamics"?  One 
advantage of this method is that it enables the modeler to capture 
nonlinear relationships, and the simulate ecosystem behavior over time. 
  This circumvents the need for assuming linear relationships that do 
not make sense ecologically, though you give up the elegance of a 
mathematical solution in closed form.  I believe system dynamics is the 
most versatile modeling method for complex ecological systems.  May I 
suggest the following as an example:

Ecocosm Dynamics Ltd.
http://www.ecocosmdynamics.org

Take care,
Luis


-- 
Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D., P.E.
Quality, Productivity, and Sustainability Consulting
http://pelican-consulting.com
Solidarity & Sustainability Research Newsletter
http://pelican-consulting.com/solisust.html
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Re: math modelling

[Luis Gutierrez]

Bill Silvert wrote:
> Actually the critical part of modelling is not the math, but learning to 
> look at and understand the underlying assumptions. Most of the math needed 
> is pretty simple. For example, practially the only differential equations 
> you will encounter are first order ordinary DEs, as higher order DEs and 
> partial DEs are virtually unknown (except perhaps in modelling plankton).

Agree ... understanding the assumptions is key.

> There are some lovely results arising from linear algebra, such as stability 
> analyses based on the eigenvalues of matrices, which seem to have little 
> relevance to the real world. The problem is that to set up linear models in 
> ecology you have to make some really inappropriate assumptions.

Agree ... but there are many other opportunities to use matrix models 
for analysis of ecosystems, not to mention ecosystem management and 
ecological economics.

> It is easy to get carried away with the math - that is why so many 
> ecologists find modellers and modelling irrelevant!

I see your point, but incorrect use of mathematics does not mean than 
using mathemetics/statistics is useless.  In fact, it is very 
instructive to examine the assumptions of math/stat models and then 
understand why is it that the modeling assumptions do not make sense 
ecologically.

> I recommend Tony Starfield as the best introductory author in the field.

Is this a textbook?  Could you kindly provide the complete citation?

Thanks,
Luis

Rene Girard and Ecological Violence

[Luis Gutierrez]

Hello,

I am educating myself on the mimetic theory of René Girard.  Can anyone 
tell me where I can find applications of Girard's theory to issues of 
mimetic violence against the human habitat?  I am interested in case 
examples pertaining to both secular and religious institutions.

Thanks,
Luis
-- 
Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D., P.E.
Solidarity & Sustainability Research Newsletter
http://pelican-consulting.com/solisust.html
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Re: What's the best energy source?

[Luis Gutierrez]

This has been a very informative thread.  Just want to let you all know,
that there is an excellent tutorial on energy solutions at the Web of 
Creation website,

http://www.webofcreation.org/Earth%20Solutions/Energy.htm

A list of links to energy-related websites is also provided.

Luis

-- 
Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D., P.E.
Solidarity & Sustainability Research Newsletter
http://pelican-consulting.com/solisust.html
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Re: What's the best energy source?

[Luis Gutierrez]

Leslie Mertz wrote:

> I got an interesting question yesterday. From an environmental point  
> of view, what is the best, yet still feasible, way to power the  
> world? Any thoughts?
> 
> Leslie Mertz, Ph.D.
> science writer/author, educator

I think there is no single one that can be selected as "the best."  Each 
of the alternatives has different tradeoffs, environmentally, 
economically, and socially.  Wind is very clean, but unpredictable. 
Solar is also very clean, but still expensive.  Hydrogen is very clean, 
but not ready to replace the internal combustion energy.  Biofuels can 
handle only small operations like farms.  I cannot imagine using any 
single alternative to fuel transportation and the production of 
electricity worldwide.  From an strictly environmental perspective, my 
vote would be for solar, but there is no single alternative that is both 
best for the environment and economically feasible.  Perhaps someone in 
this list knows better?

Luis

-- 
Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D., P.E.
Solidarity & Sustainability Research Newsletter
http://pelican-consulting.com/solisust.html
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Research in 5 dimensions

[Luis Gutierrez]

Hello,

I am doing research at the intersection of technology, society, ecology, 
religion, and gender equity.  Any recommendations on books/articles that 
integrate the five dimensions?

Thanks,
Luis

Luis Gutierrez
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Need Reviewers

[Luis Gutierrez]

From: Luis Gutierrez
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Hello everyone,

As you may remember, a few months ago I started a research newsletter on
"solidarity and sustainability."  The subtitle is "Socio-Ecological
Impacts of Religious Patriarchy."

This project is not restricted to ecological issues, but it certainly 
includes analysis of such issues, so I think it is relevant to this 
listserv.  I just posted the November issue:

Solidarity & Sustainability ~ Volume 1, Number 7, November 2005
Issue theme: Analysis and Synthesis of Objective Evidence
http://www.pelican-consulting.com/solisust07.html

The working hypothesis is that gender balance in the governance of both
secular and religious institutions is necessary (and, perhaps, even
sufficient?) to make significant progress toward global solidarity and
sustainability.  Patriarchy is shown to be a crucial obstacle to human
progress; religious patriarchy, even more so.

I am gathering feedback.  Let me hear from you: comments, concerns,
questions  and please forward this notice to friends who might be
interested in the complex global dynamics of secular and religious
patriarchy, solidarity, sustainability, sustainable development, gender
equity 

Members of this listserv would be good reviewers, and I need all the
help I can get!

Sincerely
Luis

PS - The links to the newsletter home page, and the seven issues posted
thus far, are as follows:

http://www.pelican-consulting.com/solisust.html
http://www.pelican-consulting.com/solisust01.html
http://www.pelican-consulting.com/solisust02.html
http://www.pelican-consulting.com/solisust03.html
http://www.pelican-consulting.com/solisust04.html
http://www.pelican-consulting.com/solisust05.html
http://www.pelican-consulting.com/solisust06.html
http://www.pelican-consulting.com/solisust07.html