Large scale permaculture - Page 3

 
Well "the when it's too late" scenario seemed to be what got the Cubans
working on the problem so I wouldn't be surprised if it takes the same thing
to get the first world doing the same thing.  In Australia, given our
problems, I don't think it will be too long before we are faced with the
need to "do something" but for the US, I think it will take longer.  There
are many Americans who still don't believe in climate cahnage but I don't
think there would be many Australians who don't believe in it.  Till there
is a shift in attitude in the majority of the popultion, no change happens
as there is no pressure to do so.

 (snip)

Did that.  He sums up some of the problems quite well.  Thanks.

Politics

That time will come although I'm not convinced that we are there just yet.

 

Len I agree with your sentiments that we need to change our way of thinking
but it will take more than that.


Very harsh environments for growing, with much effort you could get some
boutique crops but not enough to really matter.  It would be very inefficient.


Yes but the people need them.  Sure strolling through a nice vege garden is
relaxing but what of those who want to play sport etc?


Melbourne is quite low density compared to the mega cities.  The Aussie 1/4
acre block is very uncommon in many places.  We have no experience of what
really high density housing is like.


And those market gardens have been swallowed up by housing developments that
can hardly be torn down now.  The population is 3 times what it was then.  The
institutions and organisation of 60 years ago will not serve for the next 60.


I support your philosophy that major change in how we deal with the world is
essential.  And backyard and inner city growing plots would certainly be a
step in the right direction.  But this will never be more than a minor part of
the calories required to feed a big city.

Look at the people who are doing this on a small scale (ie one or a few
families).  They need acres to do it.  Evan if yields could be increased many
times (doubtful, especially in Oz) those acres just aren't available in or
near big cities, nor are the numbers of skilled people prepared to lovingly
tend them.

It is this very problem of the efficiency of scale that made me ask the
question in the first place.

David

 len gardener wrote:

Demonstrate that you can feed half the population of Australia on 150
square miles of land.

There is no "my scenario".  We feed the populations of those cities
now.  The methods used may offend your sensibilities but they work.
You are the one proposing pie in the sky without running the numbers
and showing that they can work.


--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

 whatever john?

for the records i haven't proposed anything i have merely help to
raise the wareness that as supposedly (some of us maybe?) intelligent
human beings we need to grasp the matter now as the changes needed in
our cities and suburban planning are going to take some time to
implement.

but i guess for now your square and comfort zone are well in place.



On Tue, 8 Apr 2008 22:03:35 -0400, "J. Clarke" snipped
With peace and brightest of blessings,

len & bev

--
"Be Content With What You Have And
May You Find Serenity and Tranquillity In
A World That You May Not Understand."

http://www.lensgarden.com.au/