#5 Discovery Den / Eco Calendar
Find inspiration through podcast, book, website, game, etc. recommendations.
Hello, curious minds! 🌟 This edition of Discovery Den invites you to explore some of the most fascinating intersections of science, sustainability, and imagination.
From a cosmic search for life to crafting a sustainable future, these hand-picked resources are designed to inspire your thinking and spark action. Let’s dive in!
Podcast
The Quest for Cosmic Life: A Dialogue with Mario Livio
“Therefore the problem is not so much that of seeing what no one has yet seen, but rather of thinking, in the case of something seen by everyone, that which no one has yet thought.”
—Arthur Schopenhauer
Dr. Mario Livio, astrophysicist and author, joins Xavier Bonilla for a dialogue on one of humanity’s most compelling quests: discovering life in the universe. This conversation spans defining life, the Goldilocks zone, tidal forces, proteins, and the building blocks of life on Earth—and beyond. From exoplanets and telescopes to UAPs and intelligent civilizations, they touch on topics that make us question our place in the cosmos.
Why listen?
Dr. Livio’s expertise shines as he makes complex topics accessible and thought-provoking. If you’ve ever wondered, “Are we alone?” or what life might look like elsewhere, this is the episode for you.
Learn more about Dr. Mario Livio: Official Website
Book
Novacene – by James Lovelock
What can I say—this is one of my favorite books of all time.
James Lovelock, the visionary behind the Gaia hypothesis, explores the idea of the Novacene: a future era where humans pave the way for intelligent cyborgs to take over as the dominant form of life.
Lovelock is to the environmental sciences what Darwin is to evolution.
His writing offers clarity and insight on some of life’s biggest questions: Why are we here? Where are we going? What is our purpose?
Why Read?
If you’re seeking a mix of existential relief and mind-expanding ideas, this book will take you there. Lovelock’s words read like those of a sage, offering profound insights into humanity’s place in the cosmos. You’ll finish it in a snap and come away with a new lens through which to view the future.
Get the book here: Novacene on Amazon
Green Brainfood
Gaia Education
Looking to become a changemaker? Gaia Education offers courses and resources designed to empower communities to create a resilient, regenerative future.
Their 4-dimensional framework spans ecology, economics, social structures, and worldview, equipping participants with tools to tackle complex sustainability challenges.
From e-learning to in-depth master’s opportunities, Gaia Education is your hub for learning and action.
Why Explore?
Gaia Education is more than a learning platform—it’s a global movement. Their programs have transformed communities worldwide, helping people redesign their systems to thrive within planetary boundaries while unleashing human potential.
Explore more here: Gaia Education
Game
My 2050
Ever thought, I’d do things differently to build a sustainable future? The MacKay Carbon Calculator lets you do exactly that. This interactive tool challenges you to adjust energy systems, industry outputs, and lifestyle choices to see how they impact the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. Can you create a pathway to net zero by 2050—or even further into 2100?
Why Play?
This game isn’t just educational; it’s empowering. By exploring the trade-offs involved in achieving sustainability, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the complexities behind climate policy and decision-making. It’s a perfect way to turn your "what if" scenarios into actionable insights.
Play here: MacKay Carbon Calculator
Learn more: UK Government Carbon Calculator
That’s it for this edition of Discovery Den! I hope these insights spark your curiosity and offer some fresh perspectives on sustainability, finance, and environmental stewardship. Whether you're reading, gaming, or simply pondering, let's keep pushing the boundaries of our thinking.
Stay curious,
Aysu
Eco Calendar
Thanks :)
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Stay tuned for the next blog post coming in a few days!
Until then, take care!
The Novascene - fascinating! I've been thinking this about the future for a while, but did not have a word for it. I will add this book to my Amazon wishlist.