“We reach that point where we understand ‘Okay, we're in symbiotic relationship with natural earth systems. We're not protected by the GDP. We're not protected by chemical fertilizers or genetically modified organisms. We're protected by living systems. We are part of living systems that have existed over billions of years; they don't belong to anybody; they belong to everybody. We are part of the system.’” - John D. Liu

John D. Liu joins hosts Patrick Leung and Armando Davila in this wisdom-filled episode that explores humanity’s power to create a new economy that can lead the world back to balance by valuing the life support systems of our planet over all else. John draws on insights and teachings that he has gained from starting and participating in the Ecosystem Restoration Camps Movement and also dives into his current projects of using ecological forensics to strategically restore significant natural sites around the world. Throughout the conversation, John masterfully cuts through societal illusions, takes listeners deep into remembrance of what has true value, and then shows us a way forward by reintegrating the recognition of this value back into our world’s economy.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• The ecosystem restoration camps movement and how it grew out of a dream John had as a child
• The importance of staying light-hearted during these times of climate anxiety
• The profound philosophical and scientific teachings that can be transmitted simply by connecting to the Earth at places like ecosystem restoration camps
• How compassion can be strengthening in the face of pain
• The dangers of giving anything more value than the life support systems of our planet
• Ecological forensics and how to restore decimated sacred sites like the Sinai Peninsula
• Why it’s important to focus on understanding and restoring coastal regions and estuaries
• What makes us different from the civilizations that have risen and fallen before us
• The utmost importance of collaboration and shifting from I to we
• A way forward with functional ecosystems as the basis of human economy
• How addressing societal inequality can lead to planetary restoration

RELEVANT LINKS:

Earthshot Labs: www.earthshot.eco

Ecosystem Restoration Camps: ecosystemrestorationcamps.org

Intro & Outro Music by Little Whale: https://littlewhale.bandcamp.com