Landscape Bionomics And Planetary Health

Traditional General Ecology is often limiting, with concepts like "ecosystem" remaining ambiguous (O'Neil et al., 1986). Critics argue that ecology is merely a tool for environmental management—addressed by administrators, engineers, and other professionals—rather than a branch of biology focused on meso and micro-scale phenomena. However, life’s complexity cannot be confined to micro-scales alone. Alterations at macro-scales can impact human health just as significantly. The rise of epigenetics highlights the crucial interplay between large and small scales, revealing their unexpected complementarity. Health and disease are influenced by the entire organization of life. Thus, biology must encompass macro-scales, exploring their structures, processes, and their role in health. This is the field of Bionomy, which emphasizes the intricate link between environmental changes and health, extending beyond pollution and pandemics. To truly enhance health, it’s imperative to understand the processes that connect the environment and health. Evaluating the bionomic state of landscapes and the biological structures that support human life is essential. This book delves into these processes, offering insights into the complex systems that govern our well-being.