Although this book was written in the 1990’s, its clarion call for innovation based on what natures tells us about systems and sustainability couldn’t be more timely or more relevant.

Since then we have lost 20 critical years preparing for the inevitability of climate change.

Much of the science described here has no doubt been overtaken by recent developments. CRISPR for sure has altered the landscape in bioengineering.

Still, the imperatives for design in our brave new world remain the same:

Does it run on sunlight?

Does it reward cooperation?

Does it bank on diversity?

What could be more elementary?

Kate Raworth in her more recent book “Donut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist” makes the salient point that our economies and innovation are pointing us in the wrong direction.

We are likely competing ourselves to extinction.

As I am now reading Elizabeth Kolbert’s book, “Under a White Sky: The Nature of the Future,” I am learning that even biomimicry can lead to bigtime mistakes.

The introduction of some species of Asian carp to help clean dirty ponds in N. America has turned into an environmental nightmare.

Just one example of which, unfortunately, there are plenty more (Gulp!). ( )

Interesting. ( )

Intriguing. ( )

Innovation Inspired by Nature

Fantastic book - a must read if you're into sustainability and the environment. Beautifully written. I've posted an ordinary mind map kind of summary here:http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/137325/Shelfari/Books - Biomimicry.pdf ( )