The relationship between humans and nature is receiving increasing attention in science and the media. A bright spot, especially for someone concerned with ocean management. Yet, according to Jennifer Telesca, associate professor of Environmental Governance, a lot still needs to be done. She argues for systemic change. 'If it really gets through that we are part of nature, the whole playing field will change.'
'Giant' is what Jennifer Telesca called bluefin tuna as a child. She lived on eastern Long Island in New York State and saw 'giants' of over three metres hanging upside down from hooks at the docks. That made an impression. Years later, she kayaked along the coast so familiar to her and saw that all the seagrass had disappeared, as had many species of fish. 'Of the bluefin tuna, the authorities say there are still plenty in numbers. But by that they mean: enough for human consumption. And more specifically: enough for the richest part of the population. They only look at numbers, while the bluefin tuna of my childhood no longer exists. These fish are not so big now and therefore are much more vulnerable. The smaller fish are, the fewer eggs they can lay and fertilize.'
Out of sight
Telesca wrote the book Red gold about bluefin tuna because experts’ handling of this species says a lot about how life in the ocean is overexploited and destroyed. 'This has everything to do with the dominant assumption that humans are separate from nature and a system in which economic growth dominates. On top of this, many people are unaware of what is being done to fish because it is happening outside our field of vision.' And yet our survival largely depends on the ocean. Because of its enormous biodiversity, but also because the ocean absorbs greenhouse gases and provides half of the oxygen we breathe. 'When it really penetrates that we are part of nature, a fellow traveller as it were, the whole playing field changes.'
'Like going to a funeral'
At the United Nations, this is far from being recognised, Telesca sees to her great sorrow. She does fieldwork at the UN, attending meetings on new sea treaties, studying documents and interviewing stakeholders. 'While entire ecosystems are collapsing, countries are conducting geopolitics. It is business as usual. Big players are doing everything they can to maintain their power over the ocean, at the expense of others and the earth. It's like going to a funeral every time.' Telesca argues that this system works to colonize the earth. 'Not a popular argument, but that's what's going on.'
The Scaly-Foot Snail
Telesca holds out hope that real change will come one day. She sees possibilities not with those in power, but with social movements rooted in environmental justice. She tries to reach out with her books and public-facing articles on online magazines. 'In doing so, the challenge is to be creative and find a narrative that appeals. How do you keep your readers involved when it comes to uncomfortable truths?' Telesca's approach is to zoom in on animals, such as the scaly-foot snail. 'This creature, relative to its body, has the largest heart of any animal. Also, the scaly-foot snail is the only organism whose exoskeleton of iron renders it magnetic,' she enthuses. 'If you take a cursory glance at it, you see a bunch of snails. But if you look more closely, you get closer to their habitat and can see them as individuals.'
Students
Her hopes for change are also fuelled by the students she teaches. 'I don't need to convince them that the capitalist system destroys things. They already know that. That was different ten years ago.' She encourages students to volunteer, community organize, participate in social movements and speak out publicly. 'Being involved is the only way not to become gloomy about the situation.'
Text: Willem Claassen