Janine Benyus - Becoming a Welcome Species: Biomimicry and the Art of Generous Design

“Janine Benyus - Becoming a Welcome Species: Biomimicry and the Art of Generous Design” was a positive reminder that nature promotes a culture of care and generosity.

Nature is made of positive feedback loops where the success of one organism can promote the success of another organism and so on. For example, seed droppings from traveling birds can form tree islands in desert, mountainous ranges. These tree islands can serve as refugia, shelter for other organisms to thrive, promoting biodiversity, amidst the harsh surrounding environment. In addition, trees can transpire water vapor that contains bioaerosols: ice-nucleating bacteria, fungal spores, and other organisms.

These bioaerosols raise the temperature at which ice can form in clouds, which increases rain and snow output. The amazon rainforest for example creates flying rivers, large amounts of moving water vapor, that are full of bioaerosols and travel the Americas, increasing rain and snow output. Thus, demonstrating the interconnectedness, interdependence, and importance of protecting natural environments across the globe.

Awingna | Ahwiinga [digitized]