Ecological Civilization

The 21st Century

There are currently underway two areas of radical change, unprecedented in human history. One is a human created, rapidly worsening systemic, ecological and social crisis. The other is a rapidly evolving, deeply systemic, human created digital technology revolution.

Technologies are increasingly being used to augment human cognition, the digital is merging with the physical, and is ever more encroaching into the processes of life. We need a moral compass.

The Digital Revolution

Technology is never neutral; it is shaped by, and in turn shapes human consciousness, if it is used to drive an industrial world view it will likely accelerate ecosystem collapse, if it used in support of an ecological worldview it could be profoundly healing.

From Machine to Organism

There is increasing evidence that the root cause of the ecological crisis is largely a crisis of perception and that a profound shift in planetary consciousness is underway, driven by the need to navigate ever increasing complexity.

We may be (and likely need to be) transitioning from an Industrial Civilisation to an Ecological Civilisation, with radically different worldviews and value systems; the prior being a non-living, mechanistic world that needs repairing, and the latter a living, evolving world that needs space for regeneration.

Dr David Cole Dip SysPrac (Open)

I am exploring what may be emerging and its relationship to science and technology and values, considering evidence from developmental psychology, cognitive science, systems science and living systems theory and creating real-world digital technology applications that I believe support the transition.

I have a degree and PhD in chemistry
I have an undergraduate Diploma in Systems Practice (Open University) and am persuing an MSc in Systems Practice (Open University) with a research project focusing on industrial - ecological change.
Owner Adeve Interactive
I have worked building information systems for the UK Joint Nature Conservation Committe.
I have 30 + years experience of building software systems and educational technology
Currently working for Heriot-Watt University and the Global Research, Innovation and Discovery Centre (GRID), exploring systemic solutions to the climate crisis empowered with digital technology
Alumni of Fritjof Capra's online course "The systems view of life"
Member of an emerging research group of Capra Alumni
An en-ROADS Climate Ambassador
Leader for the eco-literacy theme at the "Gaming for Innovation, Education, Climate and Society" research centre ( GIECS)
Guest Lecturer and member of the UK Systems Society

From Industrial to Ecological Civilisation

The 21st Century

Technologies are increasingly being used to augment human cognition, the digital is merging with the physical, and is ever more encroaching into the processes of life. We need a moral compass.

The Digital Revolution

From Machine to Organism

Dr David Cole Dip SysPrac (Open)