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Past Symposia:
Peter K. Haff Chair, Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Duke University Lecture Title: The Future of Landscape-Humans as Geologic Agents Abstract: From an environmentalist’s point of view, human impacts on the planet such as atmospheric warming, deforestation, and water pollution, are viewed as insults to a pre-anthropic “natural” state that we disturb at our peril. Notwithstanding the truth of this observation, it is useful to consider the geological point of view: that the history of the earth, and especially the surface of the earth, has comprised a series of radical changes in form and process. The recent emergence of human consciousness and technology—the so-called noosphere—and the accompanying transformation of the pre-existing natural order may represent the next radical phase of earth-system reorganization. This suggests that rather than viewing a National Geographic-like version of nature as a kind of fixed “gold standard”, all deviations from which are in need of correction, one should instead recognize the emergence of a new principle of world organization. In this new world, the anthropic force, with humans as geologic agents, becomes an important new term added to the classic geologic forces of wind, water, ice, and gravity. Together these forces will determine the new equilibrium point of the global “balance of nature”. The key natural characteristic that must be preserved in this rebalanced word is natural capital. Natural capital is the source of natural goods and services such as fresh water, fertile soils, and an equable climate, upon which human civilization depends. A suitable flux of the products of natural capital will remain essential for human well-being even after the world has completed its transition to the Anthropocene—the human- and technology-dominated stage of planetary development. A proto-type Human Impact Index is presented that quantifies the magnitude of human activities or impacts in terms of the corresponding decrement to flows of natural goods and services. To date, the anthropic force has largely been driven by short time-scale dynamics reflecting the quick-to-satisfy imperative characteristic of human beings. However, short-term anthropic activity generates planetary response with threatening long-term consequences, as in the case of atmospheric warming. The necessary flows of natural goods and services are likely to be preserved only if the anthropic force is modified to include a consideration of times that are longer than those that usually factor into economic, political and personal decisions. Landscape design is a discipline that deals with long-term assessment of earth-surface function and that works directly with elements of natural capital such as water, biodiversity, soil, light, and so on. The most important future role for landscape design as an element of the anthropic force will be to protect and restore natural capital. Jon Cherry, P.E. Manager of Environment and Governmental Affairs Kennecott Minerals Company Lecture Title: Case Studies of Post-Mine Land Use at Kennecott Mines Abstract: Mining in the 21st Century requires significant planning, including post-mine land use. Kennecott Minerals, part of the Rio Tinto Group, approaches new mine design with an eye on the future - developing mine plans with an understanding of the post-mine land use as the foundation of the mine plan. The vision of the post mine land use is developed in consultation with the local community. With the designated post mine land use as the goal, the mine plan can be developed to achieve that vision; with ongoing planning and improvement throughout the mining process. Even in the case of pre-existing operations, this process of focusing on the community's ultimate use of the land, while applying the principals of sustainable development, can be used to review and improve on a successful reclamation and closure plan. Kennecott Minerals used this approach in the final reclamation and closure of Flambeau Mine in Wisconsin and the Ridgeway Mine in South Carolina. Both are examples of strong community partnerships and responsible mining. Both were recently recognized by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and awarded the highest honors for reclamation and sustainable development for closed mine sites. >> Visiting the Design School >> Mine reclamation the focus of Harvard University Graduate School of Design symposium Miningweek Online |
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