Dr. Steffen also reiterated the importance of “taking every opportunity to get children out into open spaces” to help them “fall in love” with nature and recognize the need to preserve it.
Dr. Steffen then handed over to former Earthwatch scientist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, who aimed to talk about “the L word”–love. Dr. Nichols, a marine biologist, is leading the emerging scientific field of neuroconservation, investigating how natural environments could be essential for our well-being, helping to reduce stress–a factor involved in 60% of disease–and encouraging creativity. He believes that scientists shouldn’t be afraid to talk about love more, especially as we are starting to understand the neurological implications of emotion.
Dr. Nichols confessed to being a “turtle geek” from a young age who took his passion to Mexico, where he did his doctoral work. Despite grim predictions for the survival of Baja California’s black sea turtle, he began working to preserve them. Dr. Nichols was happy to share the data he was collecting before publishing (uncommon among scientists) because he believed it would generate more science and give the turtles a better chance. Indeed, it helped build up a network of turtle protectors. This year, he noted, we’re seeing the best black sea turtle nesting season since 1978.
Nevertheless, he added, there is still an ocean crisis:
“We need to rethink our relationship with the ocean. We need to understand how we can change our behavior.”
Dr. Nichols discussed how we can now use powerful technology to see what’s going on in our brain. But “Who’s embracing neuroscience?” he asked.
“Marketers are. They know how brands affect us emotionally.”
He pointed out how musicians also use neuroscience, and magicians, and people who meditate, so perhaps it’s time that conservationists use it too. Dr. Nichols has combined the fields of neuroscience and conservation to create the emerging field of neuroconservation.
“With neuroconservation, we can start talking about the science of dignity, compassion, and empathy. In science, we use fear and shame to propel its agenda. If we use those tools alone, all we’re doing is stressing people out more.”
Dr. Nichols finished his talk with a quote from Jacques Cousteau. “‘People protect what they love’ was the original quote,” he said. “I’d like to add the word ‘sometimes.’ Sometimes people protect what they love. Let’s go a step further and change that to ‘all the time.’”
Earthwatch Program Manager Ben Jack closed the lecture by thanking the Mitsubishi Corporation Fund for Europe and Africa for sponsoring the Earthwatch event program. Without this support, these fantastic events could not happen.
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