INVITING NATURE INTO THE CONVERSATION | A Bridge Between Urban Lives and the Natural World
- Luis Carvajal
- Jun 6
- 6 min read
WHERE ARE ALL THE PLANTS?
In most of the world’s top conferences aimed at discussing the future of our planet, whether on climate change or the loss of biodiversity, we expect representation from all countries. However, these forums represent a single species: the human being. Where does nature sit in these conversations, really? It is often discussed that we live in the Anthropocene, the human-shaped planet, so our conversation about non-human beings usually circles around terms such as “preserve,” “regenerate,” and “sustain.” But we are talking about thousands of species of plants, animals, insects, and more, and millions of individual lives. Who represents those without a language to communicate in these forums?
Moreover, when we see pictures of each year’s COP on climate change and biodiversity, Nature is hardly there, literally. The large conference spaces where world leaders sit to discuss the future of our planet lack Nature itself. They are gray or blue, plain and unmoving, with almost no plants (with a few exceptions). Why should this matter? Such sterile environments are not conducive to conversation and creativity, whereas having a space with plants has been shown to help reduce psychological and physiological stress (Shibata & Suzuki, 2004) while improving performance and mood (Lee, Ms., Lee, J., Park, BJ. et al).
“This lack of natural elements in our most critical discussions points to a deeper disconnection between human decision-making and the living world we aim to protect. To truly understand and represent nature's interests, we must not only talk about it but also invite it into our spaces and conversations."
This lack of natural elements in our most critical discussions points to a deeper disconnection between human decision-making and the living world we aim to protect. To truly understand and represent nature's interests, we must not only talk about it but also invite it into our spaces and conversations. This approach fosters a more holistic perspective, where the presence of natural elements can inspire empathy, creativity, and a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship.
NATURE TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT
Earlier this year, I attended a retreat for climate leaders organized by Christiana Figueres and her team from Global Optimism in Costa Rica. One of the many purposes of this retreat was to reconnect with Nature and with our own selves. It was a beautiful and fulfilling experience, guided by Buddhist monastics from Plum Village, France. An aspect of the experience that I remember most fondly is that the retreat took place in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by nature. The conversations were accompanied by the chirping sound of insects, singing birds, and the showering rain.
One morning, as one of the nuns from Plum Village was sharing a lecture on our connection with the natural world, howler monkeys started making their distinctive sound. It was a magical—and even comical—experience to hear these monkeys howl loudly at unexpected times during the lecture. For us, it felt like Nature was saying, "You are talking about me, I’m here! Listen." How often do we truly listen to Nature, and how might high-level conversations like COP become more empathetic if they began by listening to the howling monkeys before discussing how to protect their habitat?
It felt like Nature was saying, "You are talking about me, I’m here! Listen." How often do we truly listen to Nature, and how might high-level conversations like COP become more empathetic if they began by listening to the howling monkeys before discussing how to protect their habitat?
BEYOND CONFERENCES: NATURE IN THE CORPORATE WORLD
In a more recent experience, I was part of the Intrapreneurs in Climate Fellowship organized by the League of Intrapreneurs in Mineral del Chico, Mexico. The place that the League chose for this experience was Mineralito, a community space that receives guests from all over the world and serves as a "laboratory for new ways of living and working, as a role model for how the world could live sustainably and in peace with each other."
Being in Mineralito reminded me of what it means for nature to not just be invited into a physical space as a guest (e.g., bringing plant pots into an office) but to be truly present in all areas and activities. All foods served there were prepared with local ingredients, we took morning walks to connect with the space we were visiting, and all the buildings were constructed using sustainably sourced materials and techniques.
The place welcomed us with open arms and created an environment conducive to profound, honest, and open conversations about our work challenges and how to become "intrapreneurs”
The place welcomed us with open arms and created an environment conducive to profound, honest, and open conversations about our work challenges and how to become "intrapreneurs," i.e., internal entrepreneurs within the organizations we work in. It is worth noting that most of the fellows worked in the private sector, aiming to bring a more sustainable way of thinking and operating to it.
My reflection from being in that space and with a group of wonderful people is that to be an intrapreneur can also mean inviting nature into the corporate world. It can begin with creating greener spaces to work in, but to have a larger impact, it must go beyond that. As I reflect on these experiences, it becomes clear that the integration of natural elements within our professional and decision-making environments should not be seen as an afterthought but as a fundamental need. This integration extends beyond merely aesthetic additions; it is about fostering a genuine relationship with the natural world that permeates how we think, interact, and make decisions.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR INVITING NATURE INTO CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTS
To create a more nature-integrated corporate environment, consider these practical tips that not only incorporate natural elements into the workspace but also factor nature into decision-making processes:
Indoor Greenery: Incorporate a variety of plants, from small desk plants to large potted trees, to enhance aesthetic appeal, improve air quality, and provide a calming atmosphere.
Natural Light: Maximize the use of natural light by arranging workspaces near windows. Consider installing skylights or larger windows to boost mood and productivity.
Outdoor Meeting Spaces: Create outdoor meeting areas where teams can brainstorm and collaborate, stimulating creativity and providing a refreshing change from indoor settings.
Eco-friendly Practices: Adopt eco-friendly practices like recycling programs, energy-efficient lighting, and reducing single-use plastics. Encourage sustainable habits among employees to foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
Nature-inspired Art: Decorate with nature-inspired art and photography to create a serene atmosphere and a visual connection to nature.
Regular Outdoor Breaks: Encourage employees to take regular breaks outdoors, whether it's a short walk or a lunch break in a nearby park, to relax and inspire.
Supplier Selection: When choosing suppliers, consider their environmental practices and commitment to sustainability. Prioritize suppliers who have eco-friendly materials and processes.
Decision-making Impact: Evaluate the potential environmental impact of decisions, particularly those affecting physical spaces. Aim to minimize negative effects on natural habitats and promote biodiversity.
Integrate Nature into Meetings: Begin meetings with a moment of reflection on nature or even hold meetings outdoors when possible, to foster a connection with the environment and inspire a holistic perspective.
A CALL TO EMBRACE NATURE IN ALL ASPECTS
Our journey toward a more sustainable future must begin by bridging the gap between human endeavors and the natural world. Whether in high-stakes negotiations at COPs, corporate boardrooms, or everyday workspaces, nature's presence can serve as a powerful reminder of what we are striving to protect. By fostering environments rich with natural elements, we can inspire deeper empathy, creativity, and a stronger commitment to stewardship.
Let us not wait for the next vacation, retreat, or fellowship to reconnect with nature. Instead, let us actively invite nature into our spaces, conversations, and hearts every day. Doing so will not only enrich our professional and personal lives but also ensure that our decisions are truly aligned with the well-being of our planet. By honoring and integrating nature, we can pave the way for a future that is not only sustainable but also harmonious and flourishing for all living beings.
By fostering environments rich with natural elements, we can inspire deeper empathy, creativity, and a stronger commitment to stewardship.
References
Lee, M. S., Lee, J., Park, B. J., & Miyazaki, Y. (2015). Interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress by suppressing autonomic nervous system activity in young adults: a randomized crossover study. Journal of physiological anthropology, 34(1), 21.
Shibata, S., & Suzuki, N. (2004). Effects of an indoor plant on creative task performance and mood. Scandinavian journal of psychology, 45(5), 373–381.
Luis Carvajal works as a Senior Sustainability Manager at Siemens Energy. As a sustainability professional and start-up mentor, he focuses on decarbonization, climate change, and innovation. A Summa Cum Laude graduate in Mechatronics Engineering from Universidad de las Americas Puebla, Luis is committed to driving positive change through technology and collaboration.
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