Inverting the paradigm

Consider. Yet another major new development is proposed that will, inevitably, disturb, damage and degrade existing landscape processes. But not to worry, we now have laws that protect the environment. Not only that, but whatever the development it must be sustainable. Since the proponent of this major new development is legally obliged to carry out an environmental impact assessment a swift, but ever so thorough, site survey is commissioned and executed. The competence and integrity of the consultants is unquestioned, yet they know that a single snapshot cannot show the seasonal cycles of complex interactions and key flows of materials, energy and information that sustain the natural systems. But hey, that is too much to ask when time is of the essence and time means money. Besides, we cannot predict, with absolute certainty, that the development will cause irretrievable damage, so let us just get on with it.