The importance of a time perspective.

How long would it take for mankind to deplete Earth’s resources? Is this situation close at hand? The threat of environmental pollution and climate change will have to be addressed in some manner. 

Time, and importance of a time perspective, were recurring themes in our interviews with the scientists whose work forms the basis for this exhibition. The five represented topics are connected to the theme of forests and sustainability; a theme closely tied to the importance of time.

The science that is present in the exhibition elucidates the importance of time in different ways. The historian looks back at the forestry industry of days past. Societal change can be explained through a retrospective, increasing our understanding of the present and of possible future development. The biologists teach us about the importance of natural forests and their organic diversity. They also inform us about the cyclic character of the forest. Even a dead tree is very much alive and the passing of time is visible in its growth rings.

Within the field of tourism science the perspective of time is limited to the present. We are at rest in the forest and time almost seems to stand still. To the tourist, the forest offers time and possibility for recreation. Literary science allows the pondering on an even more vast perspective, emphasising the ability of poetry to transport us beyond the age of man. Poetry can illuminate an almost unimaginable time perspective.

Ecotechnology teaches the crucial importance of a time perspective concerning calculations of environmental effects and alternative solutions. It would be hard to argue against sustainability, but how do we achieve it? Perhaps through scientific facts and well-founded decisions based on an understanding of what once was.

Are we already running out of time, or is it merely time to act for a more sustainable world?