by Michael Soulé (UC Santa Cruz)

Abstract

The pioneers and protectors of biological diversity and organic evolution include Ashoka, Darwin, Muir, Carson, Wilson, Naess, and many others. These teachers have inspired us. Many social critics and political leaders have attempted to alter the momentum of the underlying forcing factors : population, poverty, consumption, corruption, greed and denial. Conservation biology succeeded in producing the technical knowledge needed to save biodiversity—we have known enough facts and principles for 25 years. The obstacle, however, is our primitive human nature ; only a massive mental makeover of mankind—fundamental changes in our neurobiology—can save the world. The lesson of the 20th century is that conservation, conservation biology, and politics-as-usual are not nearly enough. We have to accelerate evolution of ourselves.

Michael Soulé is Professor Emeritus of Environmental Studies, UC Santa Cruz . He is a founding father of Conservation Biology. Michael Soulé