Old for New

In our increasingly urgent search for ways to live sustainably, we can learn much from the past to reorient our attitudes towards the Earth’s resources and help secure our future.

Technological progress has undeniably driven immense advancements, but it has also resulted in significant environmental degradation. From our growing dependence on energy-draining devices to the industrialization of agriculture, modern developments have wreaked havoc on ecosystems and biodiversity. As sustainability becomes a global priority, a shift toward reviving and adapting older, proven methods is emerging. By looking back and reclaiming past solutions, we find hope in low-impact technologies that offer more sustainable alternatives to their modern counterparts, with the hope of better tackling global challenges.

An example of the reintroduction of old technology is the electric car. Though it might seem like a modern product, the electric vehicle (EV) dates back to the early 19th century. The earliest EV was built in 1839 and battery-powered buses began operating in the streets of Paris as early as the 1880s before becoming adopted in cities such as London, Berlin and New York. In the early 1900s, EVs were praised for their easy usage and low volume, becoming more popular in many places than their gasoline-powered cousins. However, the invention of mass-produced internal combustion engines and the discovery of vast and cheap oil reserves caused a decline in the production and sales of electric cars. Today, thanks to the increased awareness of the harmful effects of fossil fuel emissions on health and climate, EVs have certainly made a comeback. What was once considered an outdated technology has now become synonymous with the transition to a more sustainable future.

Similarly, ancient architectural designs are being re-examined. The windcatcher, a traditional Persian architectural element used for millennia in the Middle East, is one such example. Windcatchers are tall, tower-like structures that capture and cool air through natural ventilation, providing a cooling effect in the hot desert climate without the need for electricity. In recent years, architects and engineers have begun integrating these ancient designs into modern buildings, particularly in regions where air conditioning is impractical or too expensive. By harnessing the wind, windcatchers offer an eco-friendly alternative to energy-intensive cooling systems and represent a synthesis of ancient wisdom and modern necessity.

Fog catchers, another age-old technology, are also gaining attention as a sustainable solution to water scarcity. Primarily used in dryer regions, fog catchers are simple devices made from mesh nets that effectively catch and collect water droplets from fog, providing a vital source of water in areas with minimal rainfall. Today, communities in places like Chile and Morocco are adopting modern versions of fog catchers to combat the effects of worsening and more extensive drought periods.

While these examples of revived technology are promising, the recognition and integration of old knowledge offer another critical dimension in addressing the climate crisis. Indigenous communities around the world have been living sustainably for centuries, developing deep-rooted practices that emphasize balance and harmony with nature. These practices are not merely historical footnotes; they are living traditions that can provide insights in dealing with climate change today.

The United Nations has increasingly recognized the importance of indigenous and local knowledge in the fight against climate change. Indigenous peoples manage around a quarter of the world’s land, which is home to a significant portion of the planet’s biodiversity and carbon sinks. Their traditional practices, such as sustainable agriculture, water management, and forest stewardship, are vital in maintaining the health of these ecosystems. The milpa system of the Maya in Central America, for instance, involves rotating crops like corn, beans, and squash within forested areas, allowing the land to regenerate and maintain biodiversity. This practice not only supports food security but also contributes to resilience by preserving soil fertility and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

In Australia, Indigenous Australian communities have long practiced traditional fire management, known as ‘cultural burning’. This method involves controlled burns that reduce fuel loads and prevent the occurrence of catastrophic wildfires. Unlike modern fire management practices, which often rely on suppression and can lead to the buildup of dangerous levels of fuel, cultural burning is done in a way that promotes biodiversity and maintains the health of the landscape. 

The UN has also highlighted the critical role that Indigenous peoples play in safeguarding key ecosystems. Despite facing numerous challenges, including land dispossession and marginalization, Indigenous communities have managed to preserve some of the world’s most intact forests and other natural areas. Research has shown that these areas are often in better health than those managed by non-Indigenous entities. This underscores the need for greater political recognition and protection of Indigenous rights, as well as the inclusion of Indigenous voices in climate policy discussions.

The journey toward a sustainable future is multifaceted. It requires not only technological innovation but also a deep respect for the knowledge and practices that have demonstrated their lasting value Whether through the revival of ancient technologies like electric cars, windcatchers, and fog catchers, or the integration of Indigenous and local knowledge systems into climate action, it is clear that our best hope for overcoming the challenges of climate change lies in a holistic approach that honours both the old and the new.

As we continue to explore the potential of these ancient practices and technologies, it is crucial to remember that sustainability is not just about preserving the environment; it is also about creating a world where all people can thrive. This requires us to rethink our relationship with nature, to move away from a mindset of exploitation and toward one of stewardship. By learning from the past we can build a future that is not only sustainable but also just and equitable for all.

Team Credits: 

Words by Charles Westberg 
Photography by Pierre Tostain at Kaptive Agency
Set Design by System F