The History of Sustainability (1600)

- forests, threaten by demands for cleared land (agricultural purposes) - the beginning of a more reserved approach to human interference, recognizing the

influence of the past

Evelyn Silva- an appeal to the proper understanding of the relationship between humans and nature. - the science of forest is one that deserves attention, and credible as a science- Context: founders of royal society in Europe, 1660, well establish among English

individuals. Charles the second settling into the thrown, in the midst of a rather unstable time, making Evelyns claims dramatic in seeing a need to preserve and maintain forestry

- He also saw conservation of English forest as a national imperative, vital to national policy, and the biggest threat to the country was the possible decay of forest

- Englandʼs navy would be threatened as ship building would come to a halt. - as an island nation, this is an obvious threat

- forests were in a “epidemical” state - as the price of timber increased, his audience grew - he recommended planting, but never became law although it appealed to many

readers which adopted this idea. - he also suggested deputies in each nation to ensure the recommended number of

trees were planted.

France- King Louis 14th (1643-1700), Sun King, embodied the idea of the divine right of Kings. - Colber, as his finance minister voiced concern about forestry industry- as early as the 14th century, people in France noticed the scarcity of forests- grazing on crown lands degraded forest health and the ability to regenerate- The Ordinance,1661-1669no cutting was to be done in the forests of the Kings, any crown land.- bringing order to chaos, conserving what resources were left. The ancient abuses

stood in the way of modern aspirations- this was achieved through centralized power, by the King to see effective change-

*this is not revolutionary thought, from a historians perspective this represents the beginning of a more widespread acceptance of these concerns, and the degree of how effectively these people identified the problems and others listened.

- there is no moral imperative in this early perception of nature, it was rather seen on a very practical level, seen as essential to our very survival

- more imperative, less moral- No class October 7

Sept. 30 Lecture 3ES3