Taking the long view

Abstract

The article discusses how space travel and Earth photos provided a new perspective on the planet, emphasizing its fragility and the importance of planetary thinking. It highlights the need for a longer-term perspective in addressing environmental issues, given the lag time and lead time dynamics of natural systems. The author argues that environmentalism is teaching patience and the ability to blend with the pace of nature, resulting in beneficial resilience and adaptability. The article emphasizes the dangers of ignoring differing paces of change, using the Soviet Union’s example, and proposes the importance of responsible governance to prevent commerce from violating the pace of nature. It concludes that environmental awareness is making humanity wiser alongside technological advancements that are making us smarter. – AI-generated abstract.