Strange Natures, maps and resistance
A new season and a call for creative contributions, a comic on the uses and abuses of grand models and maps, and stories of communal living and resistance to mining in Portugal and South Africa.
These are strange days. The air is made heavy by crises, and we can almost feel static from frictions as we rub against invisible thresholds.
A fascination with the strange is a fascination for that which lies beneath the surface, beyond ordinary ways of seeing, sensing and perceiving. We invite contributions of creative works and reflections that unsettle our expectations and engage with ‘the strange’ as a way to open up new ways of seeing natures, ecologies and crises.
You can also contribute to the discussion via the hashtag #StrangeNatures on Twitter.
New comic: Map, territory, story
Impossible maps and models shape grand narratives about how the world works, how people relate to each other and nature.
Our second comic charts the uses and abuses of maps and grand models - from the so-called ‘Tragedy of the Commons’ to overpopulation myths and their poisonous heritage. You can read or download the comic in full on our website, along with a short introductory essay by Amber Huff.
Podcast: Lithium mining and resistance in Portugal
You can now listen to all episodes on Apple Podcasts and view them on a dedicated page on our Substack site.
In our latest episode, we explore mining and its consequences in rural Portugal.
Communities in different parts of the world are coming up against companies and states with an interest in lithium mining, linked to a massive projected growth in markets for electrified transport and storage.
In this episode of the Future Natures podcast, we talk to two people involved in the resistance to a large open-cast lithium mine near the village of Covas do Barroso, Portugal. They discuss the place, the resistance, and the importance of international solidarity in sustaining the movement.
Commoning Xolobeni: mapping & resistance in South Africa
In this talk, Hali Healy tells the story of recent research in Xolobeni, on South Africa’s Wild Coast, to map and document the area, local livelihoods and places of importance, in collaboration with people who are resisting mining and defending sustainable rural livelihoods and ways of life, including those based on commoning and commons.
Other stories
Stories you may have missed on the Future Natures website
Climate uncertainty and the arts
Jo Walton reflects on the relationships between literature, games and other creative arts, and the uncertain futures produced by climate change.
Comic: People Power - Smart Local Energy Systems
A comic on the possibilities of more inclusive energy systems in the UK.
More than a pub: the story of The Bevy
The Bevendean Cooperative Pub is a community pub run by locals for the benefit of about 18,000 people who live in a largely working-class area. It’s also a centre for afterschool clubs, a seniors club, community market and educational events.
To think, see and feel otherwise: a report and mini-zine from POLLEN23
Reflections on the Political Ecology Network’s conference in Durban, including on themes of memories, creativity and resistance.
Join the network
Future Natures aims to support a network that includes diverse communities of researchers, commoners, and commoning-aligned artists, writers, makers and others.
Our networking space aims to provide ways for people to connect across borders, places and experiences. The space includes a discussion forum and ways to share information or ideas with other people in the network.