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Ecocities Emerging
To support humanity's transition into the Ecozoic Era
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February 2009
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Greetings,
Welcome to the February 2009 edition of Ecocities Emerging, an initiative of Ecocity Builders and the International Ecocity Conference Series.
"As we build, so shall we live" is the theme upon which the Ecocities Emerging initiative is predicated. This concept is rooted in the real. It seeks to underscore the impact of what we do in the context of who and where we are at the most basic level - living creatures on a planetary body located approximately 28,000 light years from the center of our galaxy. We evolved over time. (Happy Birthday Charles Darwin, 12 Feb. 1809)
But over time we've become experts in denial of the real, after living for so long in a global economic system predicated on an unlimited supply of credit and resources. This unreal model with its corresponding economic theories and banking systems has now been implemented to the far corners of the planet. The system is designed to further reward those of us reaping the immediate benefits, and in it, the ends justify the means as long as we keep getting what we want.
The big problem now is that the majority of us who were previously benefiting are not getting what we want any more. The good news is that with such a severe problem with the old model, we're finally more open to changing it. Part of the hope is in the possibility that the connection between the real world and how we live in it will finally be acknowledged and a new vision will come forth to begin to bring the two into balance.
Even with this exciting promise of change, the economic solutions being floated so far seem fairly random and piecemeal, and involve throwing a lot of money back into trying to bring the old fantasy back to life.
But it's only been a short while since the door to change has been pried opened; it's too early to predict the outcome. Much can still be influenced by people who understand the urgency and who call for a new vision, a new way of life on Earth. The knowledge is already there, it's a matter of building up enough energy to push through the inertia and denial.
As we build, so shall we live.
Kirstin Miller, Ecocity Builders
Oakland, California, February 2009
ecocitybuilders.org
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The
Ecozoic Era refers to a vision, first promoted by cosmologist Thomas
Berry, of an emerging epoch when humanity lives in a mutually enriching
relationship with the larger community of life on Earth.
Will
we be able to make the transition in time to retain a biosphere healthy
enough to regenerate living systems now under extreme stress? There is
no way to be certain, but our position is that there's no time to just sit
around and wonder about it: now is time for action.
Thank
you for all that you are doing to help accelerate progress toward a
civilization in balance with living systems.
Maybe one day all cities
will be ecocities.
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Rights of Nature in New Ecuador Constitution
by Peter Berg
Chimborazo - Ecuador's highest peak
Ecuador has ratified a new constitution overflowing with innovations that make it a trail-blazing 21st Century governing document. Environmental awareness and protection are recognized on a particularly high level in response to present day revelations about local destruction of habitat and species as well as planetary climate change. These are covered as extensively as might be hoped for in sections of the new document titled "Good Life" and "Biodiversity and Natural Resources". But there is more than even environmentalists have previously sought. It is the first constitution in the world to grant "Rights of Nature."
Nature in Ecuador is now recognized to fully possess the "right to exist, persist, maintain and regenerate its natural cycles, structure, functions and its processes in evolution." To ensure these rights the government is responsible for "precaution and restriction measures in all the activities that can lead to the extinction of species, the destruction of ecosystems or the permanent alteration of natural cycles."
The concept isn't brand new. Wilderness advocates and leading ecologists such as Raymond Dasmann pleaded to grant legal rights to Nature nearly half a century ago, and it has been the subject of numerous "deep ecology" and some law articles and books. What is new to the point of near incomprehension is that this idea is now part of Ecuador's national purpose. Consider the broadest possibilities for interpretation. Don't the processes of resources extraction, manufacturing, energy production, large-scale agriculture, mass transportation, housing development, and nearly all other operations of contemporary society interfere with wild Nature? No one yet knows what laws will follow to carry out the intent of the new constitution, or how they will be applied. Imagine when the U.S. constitution first granted life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We will have to wait to discover what "Rights of Nature" actually means. This much is clear, the prospects for human consciousness have just widened considerably.
How did this happen in a country previously unknown for advanced ecological policies? There are at least as many themes in the national character of Ecuador as in any other country, but two stand out with undeniable clarity. One is that it has a continuous basis in Nature that is close and powerful. The other is that Ecuadorians are able to adapt rapidly to changes - ideas, technology, and fashion. It may have taken time for them to see the effects of large-scale environmental destruction but they have decided to stop it now in the firmest terms.
The grand scale of Ecuador's natural attributes and their significance to the rest of the world is a fixture in the national mind. A transit across the country starts with the Galapagos Islands offshore where Darwin formulated his evolution theories, continues to the coast on the Pacific Ocean which is often unpeopled and wild, moves inland to cloud forests with world-leading numbers of unique birds, plants and insects, ascends to extremely high peaks and major active volcanoes in the Andes Mountains, and finally encounters vast and dense Amazon Basin rain forests feeding oxygen to the planet's atmosphere. It is no accident that the country is the only one named for an earthly phenomenon, the equator that was first discovered there.
The speed of change can be neck-breakingly excessive. The worst result has been a long history of fast boom-bust agricultural innovations in this food-producing nirvana, most recently ruinous shrimp-farming that denuded habitat-harboring mangroves and pollutes main estuaries. Rapid transition can also bring undoubted benefits like Guayaquil's startling reversal from the worst-rated urban area in the world only ten years ago to today's notably attractive and amenable largest city in the nation. To keep Ecuador's equilibrium, almost half of the population still remains culturally indigenous with loyalties to traditional communities, and most people retain allegiances to large families that have a prevailing influence in social and economic relations. These socially conservative factors act like ballast as Ecuador roars past.
The monumental presence of Nature itself and a cultural flair for change account in a large part for how "Rights of Nature" came to be, and will likely continue to shape the way they are interpreted in the legal laboratory of constitutional law.
Peter Berg, founder of Planet Drum Foundation, has been its director for 35 years. He is a noted ecologist, author and speaker. Mr. Berg is acknowledged as the originator of the terms bioregion and reinhabitation to describe land areas in terms of their interdependent plant, animal and human life. He believes that the relationships between humans and the rest of nature point to the importance of supporting cultural diversity as a component of biodiversity.
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ECO-City Project
Joint ECO-City developments
in Scandinavia and Spain
 Project Manager, ECO-City in Tudela, SpainThe aim of the "ECO-City project" is to demonstrate innovative integrated energy concepts in the supply and demand side in three successful communities in Denmark/Sweden, Spain and Norway, respectively the cross border community of Helsingĝr and Helsingborg, the community of Tudela and the community of Trondheim. From the outset the three communities all have an advanced energy profile in comparison to other national and neighbouring communities and activities initiated as part "ECO-City" hence builds on that platform.  Trondheim, NorwayThe large number of demonstration activities are based on both the demand, i.e. demonstration of ECO-buildings and rational use of energy, and the production side, i.e. demonstration of various renewable energy technologies. All demonstration projects are defined in a "Whole Community Approach", in which all project initiatives are considered as integrated components. The aim being to ensure optimal interaction and balancing of the demand and supply at all times. The activities will be coordinated between the three communities to exploit and learn from experiences across borders and traditions. Associated community, Zilina, Slovak RepublicThe role of the associated community Zilina is to receive inspiration and input from the ECO-City projects and concepts. Also neighbouring municipalities to the project in the three project communities will be targeted through specific dissemination activities.  Zilina, Slovak RepublicSummary of ECO-City objectives for the Tudela CommunityRenewable energy supplyA MW wind farm is currently being planned expected to be constructed as two 1.5 - 3.0 MW turbines. It will be located at the northern boundary of Tudela on top of the hills, as this particular area has a significant wind potential. Furthermore 2,000 m2 of solar collectors for domestic hot tap water, space heating and possibly district heating will be installed to supply the buildings. Finally some 4,000 m2 of photovoltaic panels will be integrated in the energy system contributing significantly to the 100% RES supply of the community. Energy efficiency in buildingsECO-community of 70,000 m2 dwellings within the neighbourhood called 'Campo de Golf', located inside the red dot line, laying at the north western boundary of Tudela. The objective is to cover all the energy demand of the neighbourhood with 100% renewable energy sources on yearly balance and to apply technologies for efficient use of energy. This will allow achieving a 'zero-emission' community. Use of bioclimatic architecture, passive solar heating and energy storage in thermal mass will be included. Specific innovationsIn addition to the construction of new building and renewable energy production facilities, the use of advanced metering and supply / demand control system will be integrated in the buildings. Also socio-economic project monitoring will be undertaken among the future community inhabitants and reported separately. Click here for more information on this project Project co-funded by the European Commission
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FEATURED NGO
WORK FOR A BETTER BANGLADESH
http://www.wbbtrust.org
Work for a Better Bangladesh (WBB) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization whose goal is to improve public health and the environment through research, material development, advocacy, media work, capacity building of NGOs, and networking.
Specifically, they seek to improve health, personal and national economy, and the environment by promoting non-motorized transport and public transit in place of private cars; by supporting policies to reduce active and passive tobacco use; and by reducing noise pollution and the use of disposable plastics and plastic bags. They also seek to improve the condition of all citizens by working for a more gender-equitable society and reducing violence against women.
WBB's mission is to empower citizens to work to improve their health and environment, and to make their surroundings more healthful and livable.
Streets of Dhaka
WBB ON URBAN STRUCTURE
Could a different approach to urban planning restore quality of life for all city residents? What if nature were allowed back into cities, green spaces-for recreation and agriculture-restored, and safe and convenient travel by efficient and non-polluting means prioritized? WBB believes that such an approach, already being adopted in cities throughout the world, is the only solution to the many urban problems facing Dhaka and other Bangladeshi cities. Separating uses within cities is a common but harmful practice. Forcing people to travel more results in a range of problems including traffic congestion, high fuel use, pollution, and road injuries and deaths. By emphasizing access over mobility, people can meet their needs within their own neighborhoods, freeing up time and money for more important things, such as family and leisure. Every part of the city should contain a mix of homes, offices, schools, health care, shops, and other services. Only polluting factories should be relegated to the city outskirts, if allowed at all. It also makes no sense to separate urban planning from transport policy. The two must be developed in close coordination, so that they complement each other. It does no good to discourage car use if locations are far apart and no good public transport system exists; similarly, simply having mixed use areas is insufficient if traffic is so heavy that people cannot cross the street to access nearby goods and services. By working together to create a mixed-use city that emphasizes short-distance travel made by fuel-free means, public transit for long distances, and trains for travel between cities, many urban problems can be solved simultaneously, and much space and money freed up for other activities. When planning cities, it is also essential to ensure space for nature, recreation, and agriculture. People have many needs beyond earning money and moving about. One essential but often unmet need is for recreation and a chance to reconnect with nature. Trees, parks, and water bodies (rivers, lakes, natural canals) are all vital. Free outdoor recreation also encourages the mixing of different types of people, promoting the civilization upon which all cities rest for their healthful existence.  WBB supports bicycle programs for boys and girls in Dhaka |
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Ecocity World Summit 2009
Istanbul Turkey, December 13-15
http://www.ecocity2009.com
Organized by Yildiz Technical University Faculty Of Architecture, Department of Urban and Regional Planning and
Parantez International in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia is a former patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Famous in particular for its massive dome, it is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. CONGRESS ORGANIZATIONADVISORY BOARD Mr. Richard Register, Ecocity Builders, USA Prof. Dr. Huseyin Cengiz, Yıldız Technical University, Turkey Prof. Dr. Semra Atabay, Yıldız Technical University, Turkey Mr. Paul Downtown, Ecopolis Architects, Australia Mr. Rusong Wang, Ecological Society of China Ms. Kirstin Miller, Ecocity Builders, USA Dr. Zeynep Kaçmaz OZTURK, Eko Şehir, Turkey LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITEE Prof. Dr. Huseyin CENGİZ - Chair Prof. Dr. Semra ATABAY Dr. Zeynep Kaçmaz OZTURK CONGRESS ADMINISTRATION Dr. Zeynep K. OZTURK / Administrator Ass. Prof. Dr. Yigit EVREN Ass. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Doruk OZUGUL Ass. Prof. Dr. Elif Ornek OZDEN Dr. Aysegul OZBAKIR
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The Local Living Economies Movement Manifesto
Maximizing relationships, not maximizing profits Growth of consciousness and creativity, not brands and market-share, Democracy and decentralized ownership, not concentrated wealth. A living return, not the highest return. A fair price, not the lowest price. Sharing, not hoarding, Simplicity, not gluttony, Life serving, not self-serving. Partnership, not domination. Cooperation based, not competition based. Win-win exchange, not win-loose exploitation. Family farms, not factory farms. Bio-diversity, not monocrops. Cultural diversity, not monoculture. Creativity, not conformity. Slow food, not fast food. Our bucks, not Starbucks. Our mart, not Wal-Mart. Valuing life over life-style. And as the Earth Charter says, "Being more, not having more." - Judi Wicks Judy Wicks is owner and founder of Philadelphia's 25-year-old White Dog Cafe, and is a national leader in the local, living economies movement. She is co-founder of the nationwide Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), and founder of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN). She is also president of White Dog Community Enterprises, a non-profit 501c3 dedicated to building a local living economy in the Philadelphia region.
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Colin Grant Weighs In
Colin Grant is Founder and CEO of Visible Strategies and is contributing a regular column in Ecocities Emerging. The following article is a letter he wrote to his newborn son, Jack.
WAITING FOR THE NEW COLUMN
It is November 5th, 2020, and 17 years and 65 seasons have passed since I touched you and you touched me for the first time without your mother's skin stretched between us. You seemed so calm and in control and ready for all that life would bring. The night after you joined us in the harsh light of the delivery room, I held you on my legs for hours and you gazed up at me as I sang along to the Motown songs playing in the visitor room while your mother slept. I had never imagined a connection that deep could exist. That night and every night since, you were and are the manifestation of everything I love and believe in and I could see and feel all that I love as I gazed into your eyes. You were simultaneously your own little man and part of my body and my soul, my past, our future and your future - you were and are everything and forever.
And along with all the joy of anticipated ski trips and fishing adventures and cuts and bruises and breaks and ball games, I knew that night that some day and somehow I will have to explain to you what I and those who came before you have done to the world in which you will live and love. And you will ask "why didn't you stop it happening?"
What will I say?
Well, here is the story of the seemingly impossible and absolutely essential that I hope I can tell you on November 5th, 2020:
By 2010, my team and our partners helped to join 500 cities around the world and the communities living in the riversheds, bioregions and planet that supports them in a shared community that manifested its deepest values and highest purpose in a clear, tangible, joyous and irresistible journey towards a world of peace and sustainability.
These communities pledged to leave your generation with the legacy of a worldwide culture dedicated to the healing of humans and the ecosystems we depend on and to commit themselves to achieving their highest imaginable goals by 2020. Their citizens engaged and acted to ensure that sufficient progress towards these goals was made every day, every week, every month and every year. We helped the people that live in these cities and the communities in their riversheds to build simple, elegant plans that would interact like an ecosystem to create a shared path to the type of future you and your children and theirs deserve.
For my part in this work I did my best to hold my love for you and my hope for every child in the world in my heart and in my actions and when I failed, my colleagues, friends and family helped me back to my path.
And here are my highest hopes for your lifetime, the impossible dream that we must make reality.
I hope the world's mayors and community leaders and the citizens they represent show the highest levels of ethical leadership, joining together to transcend national and psychological barriers and outdated governmental policies to create a culture of peace and happiness, shared prosperity and ecological health.
I hope we invest nothing in war and everything in peace.
I hope for clean air, clean water, clean land.
I hope the world's cities generate most of their own food in rooftop solar organic greenhouses, urban organic farms and community and individual organic gardens.
I hope for the true democracy that is currently avoided by the most powerful nations in the world, even as they offer democracy to offers.
I hope all toxic chemicals are replaced with natural alternatives.
I hope the most heavily armed nations in the world show the rest of the world how to disarm and become powers for peace.
I hope human activities generate zero waste and zero net greenhouse gas emissions.
I hope we produce zero ozone depleting chemicals and that the ozone hole continues to heal.
I hope humanity works to restore and replenish the natural environment - to stop desertification, to protect and connect precious pockets of biodiversity and to protect and restore the forests that nourish air, water and human spirits.
I hope the greenhouse gas content of our atmosphere is stabilized.
I hope every home, every building and every city generates renewable energy and that we leave earth's remaining fossil carbon reserves in place.
I hope schools become places of physical and mental adventure.
I hope that most of the species that existed when you were born will still exist when you die.
I hope children and youth take their place with other citizens in a truly engaged, democratic system.
I hope we will have stopped plundering our seas and allowed fish stocks to recover.
I hope every form of governance contains a human rights charter that protects every child, woman and man and a biodiversity charter that protects nature and I hope that these rights are enforced.
I hope we see children free to really play again.
I hope we create lasting art, products and services of beauty and purpose from recycled materials using renewable energy.
I hope we learn to respect ourselves, each other and the rest of nature.
I hope we see the end of the worst of poverty and greed.
I hope you can show your grandchild a salmon leaping a waterfall.
Most of all, I hope your generation, will forgive mine and that we will work together to leave your children and theirs a better world.
All my love and hope,
Dad
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Car-Free Journey
by Steve Atlas
As the cold weather continues, many of us long to get away and enjoy a warm car-free vacation. Last month, we visited Fort Myers Beach, Florida. This month, our destination is historic Charleston, South Carolina: a city with history and charm, wonderful gardens, and an easy boat ride to Fort Sumter: the place where the Civil War (also called The War Between the States) began.
Introducing Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston has a rich history beautiful historic district, and distinct southern charm. The magnificent beauty of Charleston SC makes it a city that is easy to fall in love with, and impossible to forget. The topography includes tidal marshes, saltwater lakes, freshwater lakes, wide-mouthed rivers, bays, coves, the Atlantic Ocean and its beaches. The mild weather, unforgettable gardens, and special charm of the historic area make Charleston a special place to live. Because it is a compact city, transit serves many parts of Charleston.
Getting There Without Driving
AMTRAK trains, Greyhound buses, and various airlines make it easy to visit Charleston without driving. Airlines serving Charleston include: Air Tran (budget airline), American Airlines Eagle, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United Express, and US Air.
Public transportation makes it easy and affordable to travel downtown to Charleston's historic area, after you arrive. CARTA (Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority) Route 11 serves both the Airport and Greyhound Bus Station.
From the AMTRAK station, it's a two-block walk to the corner of Rivers Ave. and Durant. At that corner, take CARTA's Route 10 downtown.
"read on"
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Principal Features of an Ecocity
http://www.ecocityprojects.net/
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Ecocities Emerging Sponsors and Partners
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An eco-friendly place to live, work and play.
Designed for people, animals and the earth.
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Click here for more information and to register for classes
in the Sustainable Design Program at UC Berkeley Extension.
Go Green with Berkeley!
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