Eco-Restoration and Regeneration as Decolonization

Abstract: Coloniality and expropriation have been central to the destruction of the environment. Climate stability is dependent on healthy, native eco-systems and the water cycles and carbon cycles they maintain. By restoring regenerative eco-systems, we are applying the principles of decolonization, reversing the damages of colonialization and extraction. This paper explores the needed shift in mentation, spirituality and behavior from colonial to decolonial, with reference to historic and present-day examples and opportunities for growth from understanding the climate in this context.

Presenter bio: Susan Farist Butler, has most recently been a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Divinity School, working in the areas of ecotheology, coloniality and decoloniality, all as they pertain to climate health and moral decision making. She uses painting and written articles to communicate. Prior work in the Laboratory for Probabilistic Reasoning, studying experimental cognitive psychology of judgment and decision making informs her work in climate and morality. She co-founded the Laboratory with Ray Nickerson, and worked for 20 years as co-Principal Investigator.

Affiliation: Visiting Scholar in Climate and Morality at Harvard Divinity School