Y_CII_Lesson-7-1

Human beings have accomplished the most on earth. We invented useful things such as transportation, devices, medicines, and institutions like schools, hospitals, and banks. Without them, we would not exist in the modern world. However, the things we have created are potentially harmful. Pesticides kill insects, but they poison the soil. Cars are one of our main modes of transportation, but the gas they release is one of the main causes of global warming. The question is, “If we were to live in harmony with nature, could we maintain our comfortable way of living?”

Janine Benyus suggests that the answer may be found by looking to nature for inspiration. Biomimicry comes from the words “bio,” which means “life,” and “mimesis,” which translates to “imitation.” We can find a way to live a nature-friendly lifestyle if we imitate nature. Now that the environment is threatened, humans must learn how to sustain our environment through observation of nature.

Benyus explains that once we learn from nature and not about her, we will feel a sense of wonder. Many animals and plants are more than what we can imagine. For example, dragonflies move quicker than helicopters, and ants carry objects much heavier than their body weight. They do these things without harming nature.