Planetary Cybernetics

I was watching a science show the other night about how the greenhouse effect is driving other atmospheric events, one of which is leading to an acidification of the ocean. Scary. Anyway, in talking about it with my friend I suggested that "planetary ecologists" will soon be in high demand (if they aren't already). We made reference to Liet Kynes, the great planetary ecologist in Frank Herbert's classic work of science fiction, 'Dune.'

I was thinking about it later, when I was considering another TV show I have just watched about the approaching property market breakdown and how, with modern commercial risk distribution systems (eg. 'hedge funds'), the ultimate effect of the projected meltdown could have a cascade effect upon other sectors and areas of global economic activity, and how these effects are themselves unpredictable in terms of both scale and their effect.

I was considering how economics and environment are kind of nested together in the real world, and how therefore it will be more than planetary ecology which will be required to pull us out of the shit we soon about to sink in. And about 400ppm of carbon in the atmosphere marks the point of no return (apparently).

It's really the study of process, fractal chaotic interaction of multi cause and multi effect, which is now required. On a planetary scale. Planetary Cybernetics.

Doesn't even exist as a concept, according to Google.

Late Update on Dr Haneef

Sorry I have been silent on this blog for such a long time. Blogging is a fairly time consuming pastime if one is half serious, and I have had to divert my seriousness to other aspects of my life for awhile. I will try and keep this thing rolling at a little less frenetic pace than was the case during my original spurt of Haneef stories.

Speaking of which ...

The good doctor is still out of the country. The Federal Court found in his favour in regard to his challenge of the Immigration Minister's purported revocation of his visa. I haven't read the judgement but understand that it found that the minister grounded his power to take the action he had according to "the wrong section" of the Act. In other words, he used a power he doesn't have.

The Feds have appealed the decision to the High Court (the highest court of appeal in Australia). It will be convenient for Honest John if their judgement is handed down after the election. Will be interesting to see if and when the Court chooses to fit the case into its busy calander.