Resisting the Technosphere

Keywords: technosphere, nature-based solutions
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

The Technosphere, as described by Peter Haff and Tim Garrett, conceptualizes the global human-built environment as a distinct sphere of the Earth, similar to the biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Like the biosphere it is leaderless and control is not directly possible. Although the Technosphere can be viewed as belong to Latour’s Actor-Network Theory, it’s scale is much larger and it appears to have quasi-autonomous objectives of self-preservation and reproduction (Haff 2014), or energy dissipation (Garrett et al 2020).
The Technosphere encompasses all human-made technologies and infrastructure, and includes natural processes.

In many ways the Technosphere is consuming the biosphere for its own provision, driving extinctions or disturbing ecosystems. How then do we resist the Technosphere? Given that different communities around the world relate to their ecosystems differently, is there a geographic diversity to resisting the Technosphere?

Here we consider ways in which the biosphere can constrain the Technosphere and limit human domination of the planet. Although Haff argues that the Technosphere cannot be directly controlled, there are possible routes in various ecosystems for action. These include changing resources needed by the Technosphere, maintaining healthy, functioning ecosystems through preservation and nature-based solutions, generating feedback signals, and cultivating human values and behaviors that prioritize environmental stewardship over unchecked technological expansion. Research funding needs to move towards cultural and biological, not technological, innovation.
Ultimately, the long-term coexistence and mutual flourishing of the biosphere and Technosphere will require greater integration, co-evolution, and symbiosis between the two interconnected Earth system spheres.