Ecological Nostalgias: Memory, Affect and Creativity in Times of Ecological Upheavals

This book explores how nostalgia for fading ecologies unfolds into the interstitial spaces between the biological, political, and social, regret and hope, the past, present, and future, in the time of climate change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

This volume presents a comprehensive exploration of econostalgias, examining the complex interplay between human desires and ecosystem disruptions. By examining a diverse range of rich ethnographic cases, it challenges the notion that a purely human-centered approach can adequately account for the contemporary longing sparked by ecosystem upheavals. In the context of climate change, this book delves into the intricate ways in which nostalgia for fading ecologies manifests itself in the interstitial spaces between biology, politics, and society. It explores the profound emotions of regret and hope, the connections between the past, present, and future, and the ways in which these emotions shape our understanding and response to the changing world around us. Through its multidisciplinary approach, this volume offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of human-environment interactions and provides a framework for understanding the role of nostalgia in shaping our collective future.

INTRODUCTION

The study of econostalgias has gained increasing attention in recent years, as the impacts of climate change and other ecosystem disruptions become more apparent. Econostalgias refer to the longing for lost or disappearing ecosystems, and they are often triggered by the loss of biodiversity, habitat destruction, or the disruption of natural processes. While a purely human-centered approach to understanding these emotions has been prevalent, this volume argues that a more holistic understanding is necessary.

In this time of climate change, the book explores how nostalgia for fading ecologies unfolds into the interstitial spaces between biology, politics, and society. It examines the profound emotions of regret and hope that accompany these shifts, as well as the ways in which these emotions shape our understanding and response to the changing world around us. The volume also considers the role of technology and media in shaping our perceptions of the natural world and the ways in which these perceptions influence our emotional connections to ecosystems.

Through a multidisciplinary approach, the book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of human-environment interactions and provides a framework for understanding the role of nostalgia in shaping our collective future. It highlights the need for a more integrated approach to environmental management that recognizes the emotional and cultural dimensions of our relationships with the natural world.

ECONOMIC NOSTALGIA AND ECOSYSTEM DISRUPTIONS

The concept of econostalgias has its roots in the work of cultural theorist Jean Baudrillard, who argued that the modern world is characterized by a hyperrealism that is driven by the desire for instant gratification and the constant pursuit of new experiences. In this context, the natural world is often seen as a source of distraction or escape, rather than a place of genuine connection and meaning.

As ecosystems continue to be disrupted by climate change and other human activities, nostalgia for these lost or disappearing ecosystems emerges. This nostalgia is often expressed through the media, where images and stories of pristine natural landscapes evoke feelings of longing and regret. However, this nostalgia is not limited to the visual realm; it can also be expressed through the sounds, smells, and textures of ecosystems that have been lost or degraded.

One example of econostalgia is the loss of coral reefs, which are important ecosystems that provide habitat for a wide range of marine species. Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to climate change, which leads to bleaching and death of coral polyps. The loss of these reefs has significant economic impacts, as they support tourism and fishing industries, as well as provide protection for coastal communities. However, the loss of coral reefs also has emotional and cultural impacts, as they are often seen as symbols of beauty and resilience.

Another example of econostalgia is the loss of forests, which are important ecosystems that provide habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. Forests are also vulnerable to climate change, which leads to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. The loss of forests has significant economic impacts, as they provide timber, fuel, and other natural resources, as well as support tourism and recreation industries. However, the loss of forests also has emotional and cultural impacts, as they are often seen as symbols of wisdom, spirituality, and connection to the natural world.

NOSTALGIA AND THE INTERSTITIAL SPACES BETWEEN BIOLOGY, POLITICS, AND SOCIETY

As ecosystems continue to be disrupted by climate change and other human activities, nostalgia for these lost or disappearing ecosystems manifests itself in the interstitial spaces between biology, politics, and society. These spaces are characterized by the complex interactions between different social groups, as well as the diverse range of interests and values that these groups hold.

One example of this is the debate over climate change policy, which is characterized by the interdependence of different social groups and the diverse range of interests and values that these groups hold. Climate change policy is shaped by a range of factors, including economic interests, political ideologies, and cultural values. However, the debate over climate change policy is also shaped by the emotional and cultural connections that people have to the natural world.

For example, some people may view climate change as a threat to their way of life, while others may view it as an opportunity to create a more sustainable and equitable society. These different perspectives on climate change are shaped by the emotional and cultural connections that people have to the natural world. For example, some people may have strong emotional connections to forests, while others may have strong emotional connections to coral reefs.

Another example of this is the debate over the use of natural resources, which is characterized by the interdependence of different social groups and the diverse range of interests and values that these groups hold. The use of natural resources is shaped by a range of factors, including economic interests, political ideologies, and cultural values. However, the use of natural resources is also shaped by the emotional and cultural connections that people have to the natural world.

For example, some people may view natural resources as a source of wealth and power, while others may view them as a source of beauty and wonder. These different perspectives on natural resources are shaped by the emotional and cultural connections that people have to the natural world.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the study of econostalgias offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between human desires and ecosystem disruptions. By examining a diverse range of rich ethnographic cases, this volume challenges the notion that a purely human-centered approach can adequately account for the contemporary longing sparked by ecosystem upheavals. In the context of climate change, this book delves into the intricate ways in which nostalgia for fading ecologies manifests itself in the interstitial spaces between biology, politics, and society. It explores the profound emotions of regret and hope, the connections between the past, present, and future, and the ways in which these emotions shape our understanding and response to the changing world around us. Through its multidisciplinary approach, this volume offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of human-environment interactions and provides a framework for understanding the role.

ISBN-13: 9781800739086