THE PLOWBOY INTERVIEW BILL MOLLISON

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So I propose that we begin to build countersystems, based on what little diversity is still left, now ! We need to start — as quickly as possible — gathering genetic resources and stacking them into the right assemblies. We need to have some diverse systems already functioning when conventional agriculture collapses, so that we won't be destroyed. Because if we're caught unaware, modern "agribiz" will be the end of a lot else besides itself . . . it'll take most of the earth's soils with it. However, if we start now, we'll be ahead of the sublime blaze-out that's sure to come.

We must also reorder our thinking, including our notions as to which technologies are the "right" ones to use. We need a simpler, biologically oriented technology. For every machine you might invent, I could name a living thing that would perform its function just as well. For instance, we can pump water in or out of the ground with certain plants, and we can completely control the climate of living spaces with animals and plants . . . and biological technology doesn't rip the earth to pieces as it works.

PLOWBOY: What do you think the future would be like without the biotechnology of permaculture?

MOLLISON: There is no future without it. . . at least not for life systems. Our current highly developed technology is leading us toward an inorganic future . . . and man — a creature of flesh and blood — wouldn't survive long in such a world.

At this point, most people are still irresponsible . . . and seem to be dangerously shortsighted when it comes to their ability to perceive the immutable barriers that we're bound to hit sooner or later. It's like that classic film short Godzilla vs. Bambi, you know. Humankind is flitting about carelessly — like the innocent Bambi — consuming enormous amounts of energy with no thought for the future. But Godzilla — those inescapable laws of nature — is breathing down Bambi's neck . . . the shadow of a giant foot, of the great paw that will soon come down, hovers over him.

I think, though, that people will wake up as the world goes deeper and deeper into disorder . . . as our nonrenewable resources begin to disappear and Western agribusiness begins to falter. Then they'll be clamoring for someone to help put their world back in order . . . and that role could, perhaps, be partly filled by permaculture designers! Therefore, I foresee a few decades of high demand for good designers . . . a period that will last until the society regains its stability and becomes selfsustaining.

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