Ecology Is the Permanent Economy
— To Command Nature, We Must First Obey It —
Securing Our Future through International Biological Diversity.
As global leaders, scientists, and civil society converge to debate environmental issues from COP summits to local community forums, there is growing consensus that economic systems must internalize the principles of ecology. The United Nations’ Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), established in 1992, continues to play a pivotal role in this transformation. The idea is clear: safeguarding biodiversity is not a burden—it’s the bedrock of our future.
Traditionally, economies have been driven by models of infinite growth based on finite resources. Industrial development boomed by exploiting forests, oceans, rivers, and soils—often with little regard for regeneration. This exploitative relationship with nature has led to massive biodiversity loss, deforestation, ocean acidification, climate change, and zoonotic diseases.
The notion of ecology being the permanent economy highlights the irreversible mistake of divorcing environmental well-being from economic planning. Unlike oil or gold, which have limited longevity and value volatility, ecological systems—clean air, fertile soil, freshwater, pollinators, and forests—support the perpetual flow of resources. Without a thriving natural environment, economies collapse.
Take the example of bees and pollinators: their global economic value to agriculture is estimated at over $500 billion annually. Or consider coral reefs, which support the livelihoods of millions and act as natural storm barriers. The degradation of such ecosystems reflects not just environmental loss but economic devastation.
When we extract resources faster than they regenerate, emit carbon faster than it can be absorbed, or alter landscapes without understanding ecological balance, we invite disaster. Nature’s laws—cycles of water, carbon, nitrogen, the role of keystone species, seasonal rhythms—are precise and interlinked.
Modern civilization, despite technological triumphs, remains dependent on nature’s rules. For example, climate-related natural disasters cost the world over $313 billion in 2022. These are not anomalies but symptoms of an ignored natural order. From the Amazon fires to rising sea levels in Bangladesh, from locust swarms in East Africa to wildfires in Australia, nature is responding to human excess.
This principle resonates in agriculture too. Chemical-heavy monoculture has degraded soils, leading to nutrient-poor food and rising health issues. In contrast, regenerative farming—an ecological method—restores soil carbon and biodiversity, showing that commanding nature truly begins with obeying its principles.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), with 196 member countries, represents the world’s most comprehensive framework to conserve, sustainably use, and share the benefits of the world’s biological diversity. Biological diversity—spanning genes, species, and ecosystems—is the essence of life on Earth.
Biodiversity provides:
However, a 2020 UN Global Biodiversity Outlook report revealed that none of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2010–2020) were fully met. This failure underscores how current economic models remain incompatible with nature’s limits. Over 1 million species are at risk of extinction within decades, driven primarily by human activity: habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation, and climate change.
To reverse this trajectory, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, sets ambitious targets for 2030. This includes conserving 30% of Earth’s land and seas, restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems, and reducing harmful subsidies by at least $500 billion per year.
A new school of thought—ecological economics—is replacing outdated GDP-driven policies. This field emphasizes:
Costa Rica is an excellent case study. It abolished its army and redirected the budget to conservation and education. Today, over 50% of its land is under forest cover, and it earns billions from eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture.
Similarly, Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness framework balances spiritual, economic, environmental, and cultural health. These models prove that ecology and economy can thrive together—not as opposites but as partners.
Beyond governments, corporations are slowly awakening to the reality of ecological dependence. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics are now central to investment decisions. Giants like Unilever, Patagonia, and IKEA are investing in supply chain sustainability, carbon neutrality, and biodiversity-positive practices.
Yet, the real engine of change lies with local communities and indigenous peoples, who steward 80% of global biodiversity. Their traditional knowledge, spiritual connection to land, and holistic practices are invaluable. International frameworks must prioritize community-based conservation and offer direct financial support to local biodiversity protectors.
India, home to four of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots, is uniquely positioned. With only 2.4% of the world’s land, India hosts over 8% of global biodiversity. From the Western Ghats to the Himalayas, from the Sundarbans to the Thar Desert, India’s ecological variety is immense.
However, rapid urbanization, unplanned development, and weak enforcement of environmental laws threaten this diversity. The National Biodiversity Authority, State Biodiversity Boards, and People’s Biodiversity Registers are vital institutions but require better funding, enforcement, and integration with local governance.
India’s Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) Mission, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offers a global model by urging individuals to adopt eco-friendly habits. But lifestyle change must be matched by systemic reforms—better forest rights implementation, stronger environmental impact assessments, and incentivized green innovation.
The path ahead is clear, though steep: a global ecological civilization where human progress is measured not by dominance over nature, but by harmony with it.
The 21st century demands an economic renaissance, rooted in ecological literacy, biodiversity justice, and intergenerational responsibility. We must remember that the forests we cut, the species we endanger, and the rivers we pollute are not outside of us—they are extensions of our own life systems.
When we say “Ecology is the permanent economy,” we acknowledge that all roads to sustainable development pass through the forest, the soil, the ocean, and the sky. And when we say “Nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed,” we honor the wisdom that true leadership begins with listening—to the Earth, to the species, and to the heartbeat of life itself.
This book is for you written by Dr. Keshav Kumar
Ecology as the Permanent Economy: The Fundamental Shift
Traditionally, economies have been driven by models of infinite growth based on finite resources. Industrial development boomed by exploiting forests, oceans, rivers, and soils—often with little regard for regeneration. This exploitative relationship with nature has led to massive biodiversity loss, deforestation, ocean acidification, climate change, and zoonotic diseases.
The notion of ecology being the permanent economy highlights the irreversible mistake of divorcing environmental well-being from economic planning. Unlike oil or gold, which have limited longevity and value volatility, ecological systems—clean air, fertile soil, freshwater, pollinators, and forests—support the perpetual flow of resources. Without a thriving natural environment, economies collapse.
Take the example of bees and pollinators: their global economic value to agriculture is estimated at over $500 billion annually. Or consider coral reefs, which support the livelihoods of millions and act as natural storm barriers. The degradation of such ecosystems reflects not just environmental loss but economic devastation.
“Nature, to Be Commanded, Must Be Obeyed” – The Eternal Law
When we extract resources faster than they regenerate, emit carbon faster than it can be absorbed, or alter landscapes without understanding ecological balance, we invite disaster. Nature’s laws—cycles of water, carbon, nitrogen, the role of keystone species, seasonal rhythms—are precise and interlinked.
Modern civilization, despite technological triumphs, remains dependent on nature’s rules. For example, climate-related natural disasters cost the world over $313 billion in 2022. These are not anomalies but symptoms of an ignored natural order. From the Amazon fires to rising sea levels in Bangladesh, from locust swarms in East Africa to wildfires in Australia, nature is responding to human excess.
This principle resonates in agriculture too. Chemical-heavy monoculture has degraded soils, leading to nutrient-poor food and rising health issues. In contrast, regenerative farming—an ecological method—restores soil carbon and biodiversity, showing that commanding nature truly begins with obeying its principles.
International Biological Diversity: The Global Lifeline
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), with 196 member countries, represents the world’s most comprehensive framework to conserve, sustainably use, and share the benefits of the world’s biological diversity. Biological diversity—spanning genes, species, and ecosystems—is the essence of life on Earth.
Biodiversity provides:
- Food security: Genetic diversity in crops and livestock ensures resilience to pests and climate change.
- Medicines: Nearly 70% of drugs used in cancer treatment come from natural sources.
- Climate stability: Forests and wetlands act as carbon sinks.
- Cultural heritage: Many indigenous communities' identities are tied to local biodiversity.
However, a 2020 UN Global Biodiversity Outlook report revealed that none of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2010–2020) were fully met. This failure underscores how current economic models remain incompatible with nature’s limits. Over 1 million species are at risk of extinction within decades, driven primarily by human activity: habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation, and climate change.
To reverse this trajectory, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, sets ambitious targets for 2030. This includes conserving 30% of Earth’s land and seas, restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems, and reducing harmful subsidies by at least $500 billion per year.
Ecological Economics: A Future Blueprint
A new school of thought—ecological economics—is replacing outdated GDP-driven policies. This field emphasizes:
- Natural capital accounting: Assigning economic value to ecosystems.
- Sustainable consumption: Redefining wealth in terms of well-being, not mere output.
- Circular economy models: Where waste becomes a resource.
- Low-carbon investments: Redirecting finance to renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity conservation.
Costa Rica is an excellent case study. It abolished its army and redirected the budget to conservation and education. Today, over 50% of its land is under forest cover, and it earns billions from eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture.
Similarly, Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness framework balances spiritual, economic, environmental, and cultural health. These models prove that ecology and economy can thrive together—not as opposites but as partners.
Corporate and Community Responsibility: A Shared Vision
Beyond governments, corporations are slowly awakening to the reality of ecological dependence. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics are now central to investment decisions. Giants like Unilever, Patagonia, and IKEA are investing in supply chain sustainability, carbon neutrality, and biodiversity-positive practices.
Yet, the real engine of change lies with local communities and indigenous peoples, who steward 80% of global biodiversity. Their traditional knowledge, spiritual connection to land, and holistic practices are invaluable. International frameworks must prioritize community-based conservation and offer direct financial support to local biodiversity protectors.
India’s Role in Global Biodiversity
India, home to four of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots, is uniquely positioned. With only 2.4% of the world’s land, India hosts over 8% of global biodiversity. From the Western Ghats to the Himalayas, from the Sundarbans to the Thar Desert, India’s ecological variety is immense.
However, rapid urbanization, unplanned development, and weak enforcement of environmental laws threaten this diversity. The National Biodiversity Authority, State Biodiversity Boards, and People’s Biodiversity Registers are vital institutions but require better funding, enforcement, and integration with local governance.
India’s Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) Mission, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offers a global model by urging individuals to adopt eco-friendly habits. But lifestyle change must be matched by systemic reforms—better forest rights implementation, stronger environmental impact assessments, and incentivized green innovation.
Conclusion: Living in Harmony with the Web of Life
The path ahead is clear, though steep: a global ecological civilization where human progress is measured not by dominance over nature, but by harmony with it.
The 21st century demands an economic renaissance, rooted in ecological literacy, biodiversity justice, and intergenerational responsibility. We must remember that the forests we cut, the species we endanger, and the rivers we pollute are not outside of us—they are extensions of our own life systems.
When we say “Ecology is the permanent economy,” we acknowledge that all roads to sustainable development pass through the forest, the soil, the ocean, and the sky. And when we say “Nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed,” we honor the wisdom that true leadership begins with listening—to the Earth, to the species, and to the heartbeat of life itself.
This book is for you written by Dr. Keshav Kumar
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📖 Read more about World Politics: Life of All Creatures here!
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- Dive into a transformative exploration of how global politics shapes the future of our planet. Dr. Kumar unveils the urgent need for sustainable governance that values all life on Earth, challenging traditional systems and offering a bold vision for change. If you’re passionate about the environment, justice, and a sustainable future, this book is for you!
- Excited to share my new book, The Hidden Fortune of 1857 Join detective Arjun and the clever Ruhi as they uncover a legendary treasure hidden in Delhi’s shadows, filled with dangerous traps and secrets from India’s past. Ready for a thrilling adventure?
📖 Read more about World Politics: Life of All Creatures here!
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