Here are my notes from the course. I bought the DVDs in 2013. Almost done with patterns! I'll post all my notes, eventually. Hope they help.
1 - Introduction
1.1 - Human Past, Present & Future; Permaculture Design Philosophy; Holistic Thinking
This course will explain how to use knowledge of living systems to design a brighter future. Humanity currently depletes finite resources to facilitate its growth, which is patently unsustainable.
A properly working living system is evidenced by its becoming more and more complex. That seems to be life's path.
The top predator in the Amazon is the jaguar. A mating pair needs about 35,000 hectares (135 square miles) of intact jungle to thrive. Humans are the top predator on the planet, but we don't behave as such any more. The environment will continue to malfunction until we unify our purpose. In 2013 we are the most damaging element on the planet, unable to keep it together.
1.2 - Key Problems: Soil Erosion, Removal of Ecosystems (e.g. deforestation), Pollution
Permaculture is based on positivism and is oriented toward solutions.
It's possible to create soil on a small scale in a garden, but to do so on a large scale requires partnership with an ecosystem.
Ecosystems moderate climate. As ecosystems break down, climate becomes more volatile; an undesirable feedback loop.
1.3 - Ethics of Permaculture: Earth Care, People Care, Return of Surplus
Permaculture is about science and ethics. It's a design science. Objectivity is key.
To quip that there are too many people on the planet when assessing our situation is beside the point. Wealthy humans tend to be less fertile, stressed humans more fertile. This is known as the biological effect.
1.4 - Definitions of Permaculture; Sustainability Outcomes; History of Permaculture
Permaculture leads to sustainability. Conditions are sustainable when they produce positive net
energy.
1.5 - Permanent Culture; Urban Permaculture; Permaculture Repair
The Loess Plateau, 35,000 square kilometers in China, was completely rehabilitated in 10 years from near desert at a cost of $500M. It became more productive, using only 40% of the
land that was previously used for agriculture. In a nutshell, open grazing was halted, dams were installed at all appropriate points in the valleys, ridges and slopes over 20% were reforested with native
trees, gentler slopes were reforested with timber and crop bearing trees and crops were planted on flat land and terraces with a 2% drain.
1.6 - Permaculture Aid Work; The PRI Master Plan
A lot of aid goes to specific singular things, like a well or providing medicine. That is changing. Geoff advocates establishing demonstration sites with an education center where people can network. Results are achievable within the 3-5 years typically allotted aid projects.
Good, enjoyable work is time expansive. Our brains are wired to remember satisfying (and traumatic) events more vividly than humdrum. Thus, doing what you love literally leads to a fuller life.
1.7 - Permaculture in Society
Australia is the oldest, flattest, driest continent. It's been affected less than any other by ice ages, and is consequently very biodiverse.
With trade, information sharing and a growing list of domesticated plants and animals comes increasing opportunity for abundance and leisure.
"It's not all bad news if you know how to design the good news solution system!"
1.8 - Permaculture As An Holistic Design
QnA 1.1
There are 600 year old composting toilets with a 4 story drop in Yemen!
QnA 1.2
A complex system stores more energy. That storage and redundancy of functionality creates resilience and lends stability.
After receiving a PDC certificate I could teach the course as an itinerant and award certificates of my own design. To use an organizing bodies' certificates I would need to satisfy their criteria, which varies.
QnA 1.3
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