VIII. Earth Earns: An Open CoCreative Earthropocene to Astropocene PediaVerse

C. Hearthica: Astro Sapiens Achieves a Unified, Peaceful, Gaiable,Worthy, Home Base

Benkeblia, Noureddine, ed. Sustainable Agriculture and New Biotechnologies. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2011. This volume in the CRC Advances in Agroecology series serves to open novel, fertile pathways beyond factory farms to a local and global organic viability. A respectful, practical sense of flora and fauna systems can now be gained via advances from genome and proteome to metabolome and biome sciences. The editor is a University of West Indies agronomist with doctorates in Agricultural Sciences from the National Agronomic Institute, Algeria, and Plant and Crop Sciences from Kagoshima University, Japan.

Taking a broad and innovative informational approach, Sustainable Agriculture and New Biotechnologies is the first book to apply omic technologies to address issues related to understanding and improving agricultural sustainability in the food production process. The transformation from industrial to sustainable agriculture is discussed within the frameworks of new biotechnologies and global environmental changes. The book covers: 1. The use of new biotechnologies to help in the creation of more sustainable agricultural practices, including methods in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and the new emerging technologies, such as metabolomics, metagenomics, nutrigenomics, and ionomics. 2. The path to reach the goal of the global sustainable agricultural and food production systems in a world of limited natural resources and growing environmental degradation. 3. Principles that regulate the new agricultural and food production systems including breeding programs for more sustainable crops, soil management, and environment preservation. (Publisher)

Dr. N. Benkeblia has been working on food sciences and technologies from 1991. He started his work on crops physiology and biochemistry, preservation technologies such as irradiation, chemicals, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), rare gases and other natural biological compounds (essential oils). From 2000, he focused his research on the postharvest metabolism of carbohydrates, mainly fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and fructans, and their impact on crops qualities. He also introduced new tools of "Metabolomics" in his research to investigate the biochemistry and the biological system of the biosynthesis and metabolism of FOS in fructan-containing plants (using asparagus and onion as models).

Berkes, Firket. Sacred Ecology. 2nd Edition. New York: Routledge, 2008. In this update of his 1999 volume, the Distinguished Professor of Natural Resources at the University of Manitoba adds new chapters on climate change and on how complex systems science can facilitate an ecological cosmology akin to traditional wisdom. At the outset, as cited next, Thomas Berry’s 1988 The Dream of the Earth, along with John Grim’s 2001 edited volume Indigenous Traditions and Ecology, are drawn upon as prime sources. A once and future sense of respectful human habitation within an intentional biosphere homeostasis, as we surely do not have now, can teach, e.g., proper fisheries management, soil fertility, clear skies and a sustainable earth community.

Emerging out of the discourse of ecology is a view of human society as part of a web of life within the ecosystem. Researchers are discovering, in the words of (Thomas) Berry, “…a universe that is dynamically alive: a whole system, fluid and interconnected….Science is discovering a new version of the ‘enchanted’ world that was part of the natural mind for most of human history.” This view is a radical departure from the static, mechanical, disembodied view of the world formulated by Descartes, Newton, and other thinkers of the Age of Enlightenment, and which has dominated our thinking. (2)

According to this analysis, indigenous knowledge systems are characterized by embeddedness of knowledge in the local cultural milieu; boundedness of local knowledge in space and time; the importance of community; lack of separation between nature and culture, and between subject and object: commitment or attachment to the local environment as a unique and irreplaceable place; and a noninstrumental approach to nature. These features contrast, respectively, with Western scientific knowledge systems, which are characterized by disembeddedness; universalism; individualism; nature:culture and subject: object dichotomy; mobility; and an instrumental attitude (nature as commodity) toward nature. (10-11)

Bettencourt, Luis and Christa Breisford. Industrial Ecology: The View from Complex Systems. Journal of Industrial Ecology. 19/2, 2015. In this issue on Advances in Complex Adaptive Systems, Santa Fe Institute scientists emphasize the need to understand and avail nature’s nonlinear, network, self-organization phenomena to inform a viable natural and social sustainability. By this synthesis, such independent, universal organic principles can orient and guide this imperative ecological transition. See also Bettoncourt’s paper The Use of Big Data in Cities in Big Data (2/1, 2014) which makes the same case.

Biermann, Frank. ‘Earth System Governance’ as a Crosscutting Theme of Global Change Research. Global Environmental Change. 17/3-4, 2007. Such terms are often tossed about in discussion and documents without clear, consistent definitions, the author argues. A dedicated worldwide social and political programme to this end is most imperative. Four basic principles are evoked in this regard: credibility, stability, adaptiveness, and inclusiveness. These lead to these five issues: overall management structure, an agency beyond states, realistic implementation, legitimate accountability, and fair allocations.

Billson, Janet Mancini and Carolyn Fluehr-Lobban, eds. Female Well-Being: Toward a Global Theory of Social Change. London: Zed Books, 2005. Billson is Director of Group Dimensions International, Rhode Island, and Fluehr-Lobban is Professor of Anthropology and Women's Studies at Rhode Island College. We choose this volume for its content and to again make the statement that a fundamental aberration of human civilization remains its denigration, both physically and mentally, of the equal place and contribution of women. On the day this is written, one reads in the NY Times of an acid attack in Afghanistan upon female students who dare attend high school. The longer such imbalance is not set right, the harder it will be, if possible at all, to achieve an egalitarian sustainable earth. We cite the publisher’s synopsis and a quote from the book by John Stuart Mill from the 18th century, just as true today.

This global survey starts from the belief that the significant transformations in women‘s lives need to be fully documented and interpreted. It illustrates the critical challenges faced by women in the 20th century using original data from countries in every world region. The case studies are written by teams of scholars, educators, and policy analysts in Canada, the United States, Colombia, Iceland, the United Kingdom, Croatia, Japan, Bangladesh, Thailand, South Africa, Sudan, and Kenya. The catalysts for change in female well-being are identified from trends from 1900 to 2000 in infant mortality, maternal mortality, literacy, life expectancy, education, work, income, family structure, and political power. Trends are analyzed in the light of the century‘s major events, legislative initiatives, social policies, and leadership, to illustrate the processes that enhance, sustain, or detract from the female condition. (Publisher’s Website)

The principle which regulates the existing social relations between the two sexes – the legal subordination of one sex to the other – is wrong in itself, and now one of the chief hindrances to human improvement…it ought to be replaced by a principle of perfect equality, admitting no power or privilege on the one side, no disability on the other. (John Stuart Mill, 392)

Birkeland, Janis. Design for Sustainability. A Sourcebook of Integrated Eco-Logical Solutions. London: Earthscan Publications, 2002. A workbook guide for the intentional transition from an industrial society based on Newtonian mechanics to a viable world of self-sufficient communities which draws upon the indigenous wisdom of an organically self-organizing nature.

Birkeland, Janis. Positive Development: From Vicious Cycles Through Built Environmental Design. London: Earthscan, 2008. The Queensland University of Technology professor of Architectural Studies provides a practical workbook for an imperative sustainable transition. As readers know, piecemeal fixes, bailouts to set the clock back, (or should they be out on bail) will only make things worse and put off a reckoning day. Only a total change of approach from “single-issue reduction” to human countryside and citywide rehabitation in an ecological homeostasis will heal and save.

Biswas, Aakanksha, et al.. Revolutionizing Biological Science: The Synergy of Genomics in Health, Bioinformatics, Agriculture, and Artificial Intelligence. OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology. 27/12, 2023. Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, India contribute an extensive, thorough integrative synthesis as these title dimensions seem just now to flow into and be engaging each other for a potential rescue and betterment at our mega-crisis moment. See also Taking Political Determinants of Planetary Health Seriously by Vural Özdemir in this issue. How might an EarthOmics resource provide an informative source ecode?

With climate emergency, COVID-19, and the rise of planetary health scholarship, the binary of human and ecosystem welfare has been deeply stressed. The convergence of genomics in medicine, bioinformatics, agriculture, and artificial intelligence (AI) opens a new era of advances and applications. This article aims to explore such transdisciplinary integration, and its transformative potential for people and planet. Along with sociotechnical, ethical, and policy issues, the synthesis of genomics, multiomics, planetary health, and agriculture with AI-guided bioinformatics opens up vast opportunities for transnational collaborative benefits. (Excerpt)

Bolen, Jean Shinoda. Urgent Message from Mother: Gather the Women, Save the World. Boston: Conari Press, 2005. Not a minute too soon, the beloved Jungian psychologist and author summons the long suppressed feminine wisdom and action. If our world, so stressed by male violence and rapacious plunder, is to survive and flourish for the children’s sake this palliative empathy and compassion is in great need. We quote from the publisher’s website.

The message to all the women of the world is "Wake Up! Arise! Do not ask for permission to gather the women. What cannot be done by men, or by individual women, can be done by women together. Earth is Home."

Brglez, Kristijan, et al. The complexity and interconnectedness of circular cities and the circular economy for sustainability. Sustainable Development.. September, 2023. University of Maribor, Slovenia systems logicians including Matjaz Perc provide further scientific and philosophic guidance for this European green agenda to achieve a relatively closed metabolic abidance and considerate cognizance.

In our study, we are evaluate the interplay between circular cities and the circular economy shaped by new research insights using the Web of Science database. Research trends such as urban metabolism, governance models, the built environment, sustainability benchmarks, and value chain management are aimed at integral implementation. An historic shift from traditional economic and environmental issues towards holistic neighborhoods that advance social integration, communal well-being, and the dynamics of the social economy are becoming evident. We offer novel insights that enhance our understanding of the intricate symbiosis between circular cities and the circular economy. (Abstract)

Conclusion The integration of circular economy principles and circular citieswide concepts highlights a concerted effort to address and attain the Sustainable Cities and Communities goal. Other crucial SDGs aims are1 (No Poverty), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), and 5 (Gender Equality). This convergence of circularity and sustainable objectives bears substantial potential for fostering a more resilient and equitable future for humanity.

Cities and the Circular Economy The launch of the European Green Deal puts the concept of circular economy at the centre of efforts to transform the European Union into a fair and prosperous society. In light the current crises, the road to recovery is an opportunity to rethink how we do things so to ensure a more resilient future. A systemic shift to a regenerative economic model is vital to achieve climate neutrality and keep resource consumption within planetary boundaries. However, it requires a citizen behaviour advocacy and multilevel governance.

Briand, Sylvie, et al. Infodemics: A New Challenge for Public Health. Cell. 184/25, 2021. Two years into the pandemic plague, seventeen medical scholars posted in Switzerland (SB Global Infectious Hazards Preparedness Department, WHO), Italy, the USA (CDC), France, the UK (Turing Institute), and China propose an imperative program to address the virulent, misinformed public resistance to simple palliative measures to mitigate and control.

The COVID-19 information epidemic, or “infodemic,” demonstrates how unlimited access to information may confuse and influence behaviors during a health emergency. However, the study of infodemics is relatively new, and little is known about their relationship with epidemics management. Here, we discuss unresolved issues and propose research directions to enhance preparedness for future health crises.

Bristow, David and Christopher Kennedy. Why Do Cities Grow? Insights from Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics at the Urban and Global Scales. Journal of Industrial Ecology. 19/2, 2015. University of Toronto civil engineers find far-from-equilibrium, open system principles, after decades of research studies, to have a mature appropriate suitability to explain and empower viable human societies.

This forum article explores thermodynamic understanding of the growth of cities, including theoretical foundations, observations, and analysis. The general theory of nonequilibrium thermodynamics is reviewed, as well as discussing the hypothesis of maximum entropy production. Calculations of exergy gradients in a few cities and settlements, along with measures of anthropogenic heat loss in further cities, support the notion that cities are dissipative structures. The observation that primary energy use per capita increases in Singapore and Hong Kong as they grow is further evidence to support the thermodynamic understanding of the growth of cities, indicative of an increasing rate of entropy production. At the global scale, the strong linear relationship between global urban population and total global energy use, and the distribution of city sizes according to Zipf's law, can be understood as emergent results based on thermodynamics. (Abstract)

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