Amelia

Private citizen

Jul 23, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

The biggest long-term impact is likely the relationship I've had with my cat of 15 years. Understanding an animal as a friend can be more enlightening in some ways than understanding another human, because the social norms are different, even the morals are different, given the human has a higher level of power than the animal. And yet, every time I trick my cat into coming when I ask if she wants treats, I cannot lie to her and withhold treats, as the social and moral norms of a human can only change so much. Essentially, a person can learn their social/moral standards by what they can and cannot do (e.g. lie) to an animal. The most important natural event of my life was last summer, when I climbed a series of mountains in Snowden National Park. It was my first time climbing without ropes and away from the tourist trails. The beauty and the danger of the climb culminated in an experience of awe I've not had before. I'm terrified of heights, and climbing with ropes is such a different experience than climbing without equipment. The former is the power of man against nature, the latter is the power of nature against man. The Welsh rocks and weather nearly bested me, and I remember it as a testament to the inevitable powerlessness.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

I've always loved the woods. As a kid I used to kick about in one of our backyards atop a small mountain, jumping around rocks and examining plants and turtles (if I could find them). I used to love getting lost and exploring further and further away from the trail. Now I love Dartmoor National Park--the tors and woodland and ponies and hidden rivers. It reminds me of a tamed Peter Jackson's Rohan.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Most people would tell you my favorite animal is the cat, and I do love cats (likely because of my answer in #1). But cats are a sort of default for me, I'm constantly fascinated with different species--african elephants and foxes have been the latest. Insects are a growing interest as well.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

The conflict of human economy and natural ecology is the greatest environmental challenge. I think it always has been and that it will continue to create political and environmental problems.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Understand the scientific method of thought. Learn how to find and think critically about the information available.