S2 E28 Back to Basics: Rewilding

Episode discussion topics <ul><li>We're on the hunt for solutions and rewilding is a major component in our arsenal to combat climate change and enable ecosystems that make conditions conducive to life and create a more resilient food web for ourselves.</li> <li>What is it? According to the Internet's favorite source <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rewilding_(conservation_biology)'>Wikipedia</a>, "Rewilding is a form of ecological restoration with an emphasis on humans stepping back and leaving an area to nature, as opposed to more active forms of natural resource management." Here's an informative video about <a href='https://youtu.be/ysa5OBhXz-Q'>rewilding with wolves in Yellowstone National Park</a>.</li> <li>There are several reasons to be supportive of rewilding across the United States.. <ul><li>For climate's sake: Strong ecosystems make a formidable defense against climate instability. Considering that climate is a function of the biosphere and the biosphere is sustained by rich natural ecosystems, we only stand to gain in terms of maintaining a livable Earth when we let nature do its thing.</li> <li>For food's sake: A biodiverse food web will be more resilient than the mono-agriculture system we have now, which is akin to putting all your eggs into one basket as the phrase goes. We should have diversity in the supply chain so that we're not susceptible to being only one pest or one fungus or one viral infection away from a mass starvation event. We already know that Bananas and coffee are at risk of being lost to extinction due to shifting climate and invasive marauders that love the one kind of plant we chose to grow.</li> <li>For the community's sake: Whether be it through shared common spaces like community gardens or farmer's markets or other mechanisms, a greater sense of belonging and fulfillment can be attained when people nurture connections to nature and one another.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Call to Action: Take on a rewilding project in your own yard. Return the vegetation to native spe