Category Archives: Natural World

River granted legal personhood in New Zealand

Posted on July 8, 2013 by Allysyn Kiplinger

In New Zealand—or Aotearoa, as it is known to the indigenous Maori people—the Whanganui River has been awarded personhood status. https://www.utne.com/environment/we-are-the-world-zm0z13mjzros.aspx By Staff, Utne Reader May/June 2013 New Zealand—Aotearoa, as it is known to the indigenous Maori people—the Whanganui River … Continue reading →

Posted in Earth Jurisprudence, Ecological Civilization, Law, Natural World, New Zealand, Personhood, River, Role of the Human | Leave a comment

Dolphins granted legal personhood in India

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Allysyn Kiplinger

From https://www.dw.de/dolphins-gain-unprecedented-protection-in-india/a-16834519 May 24, 2013 Dolphins gain unprecedented protection in India India has officially recognized dolphins as non-human persons, whose rights to life and liberty must be respected. Dolphin parks that were being built across the country will instead be … Continue reading →

Posted in Dolphins, Earth Jurisprudence, Ecological Civilization, India, Law, Natural World, Personhood, Role of the Human, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Lonesome George: The End of the Line? Yes.

Posted on June 25, 2012 by Allysyn Kiplinger

Betty just called to say that Lonesome George died on Sunday. We saw him in Galapagos Islands in 2005. Though he had lots of girl friends he never had any viable babies. His species is gone forever with his passing. … Continue reading →

Posted in Cenozoic era, Earth Community, Extinction, Galapagos Islands, Lonesome George Pinta Island Tortoise, Natural World, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Lynn Margulis, Biologist and Co-creator of Gaia Theory dies – 1938-2011

Posted on November 25, 2011 by Allysyn Kiplinger

I am sad to hear this news. I send deep condolences to Lynn’s family. I was lucky enough to be on a course she taught at Schumacher College in the summer of 2004. She knew very well the portion of … Continue reading →

Posted in Evolution, Gaia Theory, Lynn Margulis, Microcosmos, Natural World, Science, Universe Story | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A Mutual Relationship Example: Mushroom and Tree

Posted on July 24, 2011 by Allysyn Kiplinger

How can humans become to Earth like these mushrooms to this tree? From Earth Science Picture of the Day at epod.usra.edu/blog/2011/07/mycorrhizal-fungi.html for July 24, 2011. (EPOD is a service of NASA’s Earth Science Division and the EOS Project Science Office … Continue reading →

Posted in Earth Community, Earth Science Picture of the Day, Mutual Enhancement, Natural World | Leave a comment

Is this an example of “mutually enhancing” actions and behaviour?

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Allysyn Kiplinger

I have strongly mixed feelings about this story (below). I suppose ultimately this is an example of putting the shattered pieces of the world back together, of tikkun olam. Of humans responding to the wounds of the world. Of making … Continue reading →

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A Valentine’s Day Cloud for You: An Iridescent Heart

Posted on February 14, 2011 by Allysyn Kiplinger

Earth Science Picture of the Day Posted: 14 Feb 2011 12:01 AM PST Iridescent Heart Cloud above Zabikow, Poland Photographer: Dariusz Dorosz Summary Author: Dariusz Dorosz; Jim Foster The photo above showing a heart-shaped mid-level cloud fringed with iridescent colors … Continue reading →

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