Aye! I’m David Hanson, a Leaders in Equitable Evaluation and Diversity (LEEAD) scholar and a fellow in the Environmental Leadership Program Delaware River Watershed Network (DEWN). Recently, during an in-person DEWN meetup, we dove into a fascinating conversation about power dynamics in environmental leadership. Since the concept of power is something I’ve delved into deeply for my dissertation, this discussion sparked some insightful reflections that I’d love to share a glimpse of here.
Power often revolves around human interactions but what happens when we consider power as something much larger? What exists outside the bounds of human power?
Dimensions of Power
Let’s break down some familiar notions of power:
Power Over: The ability to control or dominate others.
Power With: Collective strength through collaboration.
Power Within: Individual self-determination and agency.
These dimensions are deeply ingrained in our social and political structures. But perhaps there’s another dimension, one we seldom acknowledge:
Power Without: The immense, untamed forces of nature and the cosmos. From the destructive potential of earthquakes to the creative energy of the sun, this power exists beyond human intent or authority.
Think, for example, the seemingly stable ground beneath us holds the potential for seismic shifts, reminding us of a dynamic planet indifferent to human constructs. This is “power without”.
Philosophical Reflections
“Power without” compels us to confront some hard questions:
Human Centrality: Are we the sole wielders of power, or simply participants in a complex web of forces? The nature of nature challenges our self-importance.
Control vs. Co-existence: We strive to control our environment, but “power without” demands humility. Maybe true power lies in adapting to these larger forces, not fighting them.
Awe and Fear: The raw power of nature can invoke both wonder and terror. It calls forth a fundamental respect, even dread, acknowledging our vulnerability.
Lessons Learned
Understanding “power without” has profound implications:
Environmental Responsibility: Instead of mere conservation, we’re pushed towards stewardship, joy, and genuine coexistence.
Resilience: Communities must build resilience to withstand the unpredictable forces of “power without”. This means adapting infrastructure and fostering preparedness.
Limits of Knowledge: Nature’s vastness inspires awe, but also reminds us how much we don’t know. Science becomes a quest to understand this power, not just exploit it.
Get Involved
This Earth Week, let’s experience nature for nature’s sake–not something to be named or tamed but something to co-exist with, marvel at and be enjoyed. Remember that the act of naming or placing human characteristics on nature can represent “power over”. Here are some tips:
- Take a nature walk and notice the small forces at play – the push of the wind, the warmth of the sun.
- Reflect on your own power, both internal and in relationship to others.
- Contemplate the grander “power without” and how it connects to your life.
- Interrogate human constructs and events imposed on nature such as the aforementioned “Earth Week” using a critical power lens.
Power is not just a human game. Acknowledging “power without” shifts our perspective on the planet, our place in it, and the immense privilege we carry. Let’s use Earth Week as a springboard to honor the complex dance of power between ourselves and the extraordinary planet we call home. Personally, I am energized by adrienne maree brown’s Emergent Strategy (itself inspired by Indigenous and First Nations practices) which encourages us to be in the right relationship with the natural world.
Rad Resources
Power: A Radical View by Steven Lukes
A New Weave of Power, People & Politics: The Action Guide for Advocacy and Citizen Participation by Lisa VeneKlasen and Valerie Miller
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