The Dynamic Energy Budget Theory | Starrlight Augustine
A radical theory which explains how life is metabolically organised
Starrlight Augustine is the director at the Institute of Ecotechnics, a research initiative developing technologies that exist in harmony with nature. She heads up their agroecology division, which is based at Synergia Ranch in New Mexico where she applies a little known but radical theory of biology: Dynamic Energy Budget Theory.
DEB theory is a way of understanding how energy flows through organisms and through their living environment, and how the living environment flows through organisms themselves, providing a big picture overview of the metabolic organisation of life itself. Starrlight explains the theory in depth, including what makes it distinguishes itself to other theories of biology, before describing how she applies it practically on the farm to improve their yields and reduce their impacts.
Rather than release it as a separate episode, I've included the interview I recorded with Bas Koojiman, the originator of the DEB theory, for anyone who would like to do a deeper dive into the science
Planet: Critical investigates why the world is in crisis. It is ad-free, paywall-free and 100% reader-supported. To show your support, leave a one-off tip. or become a paying supporter.