Howard T. Odum studied in great detail the energy flows & interactions in complex life systems, creating a simple pattern-language that serves as a powerful model for understanding how ecosystems work, in useful detail.     This model includes visible as well as invisible components of a system, & is so holistic that human economy as well as minerals & weather processes can be accounted for.       He also proposed a new & provocative law of thermodynamics that includes Life.     In this class we will explore the basics of this work and explore how it is an essential base of Integral Permaculture.

1. + PDC Module 4 of the PDC+++
+ + Energy & EcoTechnology
We dedicate this Module to the Mother &
Class Father of Integral Permaculture: Dana
Meadows & Howard Odum, two original
M4.4 pioneers who helped humanity make
Energy great strides in understanding systemic
thinking, in all four quadrants.
Howard T. Odum studied in great detail the energy flows & interactions in complex
life systems, creating a simple pattern-language that serves as a powerful model
for understanding how ecosystems work, in useful detail.
This model includes visible as well as invisible components of a system, & is so
holistic that human economy as well as minerals & weather processes can be
accounted for.
He also proposed a new & provocative law of thermodynamics that includes Life.
In this class we will explore the basics of this work and explore how it is an
essential base of Integral Permaculture.

2. M4.4 Howard Odum *
Systems Ecology Pioneer
Importance of Theory
Odum's Biography
Emergy
The 4th & 5th Principle
Corollaries & Applications

3. M4.4 Howard Odum *
Systems Ecology Pioneer
Importance of Theory
Odum's Biography
Emergy
The 4th & 5th Principle
Corollaries & Applications

4. The Importance of Theory + Experience:
Chefs & Recepy Followers
Great chefs don't follow Aristotle:
recepies, they create &
improvise
The problem is that young people
know the theory but don't have
experience, & the old people have
experience & have forgotten the
theory.
The two TOGETHER are essential
Because they know the THEORY (chemistry & physics
of the ingredients) intimately
+
they have much, varies & detailed EXPERIENCE in
applying it

5. 7 Energetics Principles
4 Laws of Thermodynamics + 3 Additional from Odum
1. Zeroth principle of energetics If two thermodynamic systems A and B
are in thermal equilibrium, and B and C are also in thermal equilibrium,
then A and C are in thermal equilibrium.
2. First principle of energetics The increase in the internal energy of a
system is equal to the amount of energy added to the system by
heating, minus the amount lost in the form of work done by the system
on its surroundings.
3. Second principle of energetics The total entropy of any isolated
thermodynamic system tends to increase over time, approaching a
maximum value.
4. Third principle of energetics As a system approaches absolute zero
of temperature all processes cease and the entropy of the system
approaches a minimum value or zero for the case of a perfect
crystalline substance.

6. 7 Energetics Principles
4 Laws of Thermodynamics + 3 Additional from Odum
1. Fourth principle of energetics There seem to be two opinions on the fourth principle of
energetics:
In the field of ecological energetics H.T. Odum considered maximum power, the fourth principle
of energetics. Odum also proposed the Maximum empower principle as a corollary of the
maximum power principle, and considered it to describe the propensities of evolutionary self-
organization.
1. Fifth principle of energetics The energy quality factor increases hierarchically. From
studies of ecological food chains, Odum proposed that energy transformations form a
hierarchical series measured by Transformity increase (Odum 2000, p. 246). Flows of
energy develop hierarchical webs in which inflowing energies interact and are transformed
by work processes into energy forms of higher quality that feedback amplifier actions,
helping to maximise the power of the system" — (Odum 1994, p. 251)
2. Sixth principle of energetics Material cycles have hierarchical patterns measured by the
energy/mass ratio that determines its zone and pulse frequency in the energy hierarchy.
(Odum 2000, p. 246). M.T. Brown and V. Buranakarn write, "Generally, energy per mass is a
good indicator of recycle-ability, where materials with high energy per mass are more
recyclable" (2003, p. 1).

7. & Energy Theory is VERY
important because quite
counter-intuitive ...
Ref: Chris Martenson's Crash Course
& what our society's practice
is BASED ON

8. The Energy Laws
review - in pictures
Conservation of Energy

9. The Energy Laws
review - in pictures
Conservation of Energy
Entropy

10. The Energy Laws
review - in pictures
Acceleration of Entropy
By
higher energy transformations
from one form to another
& more inefficiency (heat loss)
in the transformations
(INDUSTRIAL processes
are typically 'hot' - NATURE'S
aren't - see biomimicry)

11. The Energy Laws
review - in pictures
Life?
The Mother Eros
Goddess
in ancient times
was a
representation of
Life-Death
Thanatos

12. Aristotle:
mothers kill the weakest ... The problem is that young people know the
theory but don't have experience, & the old
AND ALSO
people have experience & have forgotten the
fiercely defend their young
theory.
But THEORY is often also WAY ahead in time

13. The Energy Lawsreview - in pictures
Life?
Chaos Theory
Fractals,
attractors

14. A Natural Succession Pattern
Increase of Life / Efficiency / Fertility >
general direction of Evolution
The work of ecologist Howard
Odum
a Life & Death
provided a theoretical story
framework and conceptual
tool
which was critical in the = an energy economics
development of the story
permaculture concept.

15. M4.4 Howard Odum *
Systems Ecology Pioneer
• Importance of Theory
Odum's Biography
Emergy
The 4th & 5th Principle
Corollaries & Applications

16. Howard T. Odum
“As sometimes attributed to past cultures, people
may again find glory in being an agent of the
earth”
Odum was a scientist, teacher, an agent of the
earth, and an Integral permaculturist
“If the bewildering complexity of human knowledge
developed in the 20th century is to be retained and well
used, unifying concepts are needed to consolidate the
understanding of systems of many kinds and to simplify the
1924,Chapel Hill, North teaching of general principles”
Carolina
2002, Gainesville, Florida

17. Odum developed a large part of
his work together with his
brother Eugene, a biologist an also
a systems ecology pioneer
They wrote the first Ecology
Textbook ever
You can search for “Eugene Odum” in the e-book
www.PermaCultureScience.org and watch an
interview with him

18. Odum left an incredible legacy in many fields
associated with ecology, systems, and
energetics.
He studied ecosystems all over the world, and pioneered the study of several
areas, some of which are now distinct fields of research:
Ecological modeling (Odum 1960a);
Ecological engineering (Odum et al. 1963);
Ecological economics (Odum 1971);
Estuarine ecology (Odum and Hoskins 1958);
Tropical ecosystems ecology (Odum and Pidgeon 1970);
General systems theory

19. M4.4 Howard Odum *
Systems Ecology Pioneer
• Importance of Theory
• Odum's Biography
Emergy
The 4th & 5th Principle
Corollaries & Applications

20. Energy
Energy Transformation
Process
The ability to do work…
and WORK is defined as any useful energy
transformation
one type of energy is transformed into another kind of energy, with some being
turned into a non-usable form (no longer has the potential to do further work)

21. energy SOURCES
• Solar energy
• Wind energy
• Bio energy
• Geothermal energy
• Tidal energy FORMS of energy
• Nuclear energy
• Hydroelectric energy
• Fossil fuels
• Thermal energy
• Chemical energy
• Electric energy
• Radiant energy
Potential • Nuclear energy
• Magnetic energy
& Kinetic • Elastic energy
• Sound energy
In Class 4.6 we will go deeper into
renewable sources of energy
+ mixtures • Mechanical energy
• Luminous energy
• Mass (E=mc²)

22. Not all forms of energy
are equivalents...
Thermic = electricity = quemical = ….
X X X
In its ability to do work
flexibility
convertibility
Not all energy has the same quality
Ease of transportation
concentration

23. In order to compare we need
another concept of energy
Emergy: energy (of the same form) needed directly or
indirectly to do something
Usually expressed in solar
energy form
Units:
Solar Joules or emjoules

24. Emergy Intensities
The ratio between
emergy input and output
The lower the value
>> the more efficient is
the process
Expressed in:
- sej/J ------> transformities
- sej/g ------> specific emergy
- sej/$ ----- > emergy dollars

25. An Eg.
300.000 emjoules are
needed to produce a joule of
electric energy

26. Using a conversion factor
we can express emergy in its
economic equivalent
An Eg.
Every dollar spent in the US
economy has embodied in it
1xE12 sej.

27. Environmental support of human economy...
Environmental support of human economy...

28. Trough the emergy evaluation (emergy synthesis) we can:
Evaluate the fitness and efficiency of a system
Compare between development alternatives
Find out which is the more efficient way to use a resource.
And it give us the ability to analyze complex systems integrating
the human economic resources and the “free” natural
resources.

29. M4.4 Howard Odum *
Systems Ecology Pioneer
• Importance of Theory
• Odum's Biography
Emergy
The 4th & 5th Principle
Corollaries & Applications

30. 4th Law of
Thermodynamics
The Maximum
Empower Principle
<<< Can you figure out what
this diagram might represent
by the next class?
Systems maximize power by:
1) developing storages of high-quality energy,
This is HD Odum's work
2) feeding back work from storages to increase inflows,
3) recycling materials as needed,
4) organizing control mechanisms that keep the system adapted and stable,
5) setting up exchanges for needed materials,
6) Contributing work to the next larger system >> 5th Law: All Systems are
organized hierarchically

31. 4th Law of
Thermodynamics
The Maximum
Empower Principle
• Fourth Principle of Energetics
• In the field of ecological
energetics H.T. Odum
considered maximum power,
Systems maximize power by: the fourth principle of
energetics.
1) developing storages of high-quality energy,
2) feeding back work from storages to increase inflows, • Odum also proposed the
Maximum empower principle
3) recycling materials as needed, as a corollary of the maximum
4) organizing control mechanisms that keep the system power principle, and
adapted and stable, considered it to describe the
propensities of evolutionary
5) setting up exchanges for needed materials, self-organization.
6) Contributing work to the next larger system

32. More Flowers, more
4th Law of
Honey, Wax
larvae
Thermodynamics
The Maximum
Empower Principle
Pollen, nectar, >
fruit
Recycle, Hibernate,
Swarm
Systems maximize power by:
1) developing storages of high-quality energy,
2) feeding back work from storages to increase inflows,
3) recycling materials as needed,
4) organizing control mechanisms that keep the system
adapted and stable,
5) setting up exchanges for needed materials,
6) Contributing work to the next larger system

33. 4th Law of Thermodynamics
The Maximum Empower Principle
“In time,
through the process of trial and error,
complex patterns of structure and processes
have evolved...
the successful ones surviving
because they use materials and energies well
in their own maintenance,
and compete well with other patterns
that chance interposes.”
H.T. Odum

34. 5th Law of Energetics
The Energy Quality Factor increases
hierarchically
From studies of ecological food chains,
Odum proposed that energy transformations In 1987 Scienceman
proposed that the phrases,
form a hierarchical series measured by Transformity increase
> "energy quality",
(Odum 2000, p. 246).
> "energy quality factor", and
Flows of energy develop hierarchical webs
> "energy transformation
ratio", all used by H.T.Odum,
in which inflowing energies interact and are transformed be replaced by the word
"transformity" (p. 261).
by work processes into energy forms of higher quality
That is to say that it aims to
that feedback amplifier actions,
quantify quality.
helping to maximize the power of the system"
— (Odum 1994, p. 251)

35. 5th Law…
All systems are organized hierarchically
Energy flows of the universe are organized into energy transformation
hierarchies.
The position in the energy hierarchy can be measured by the amount
of energy required to produce something
Example:
The
techno–human
“food-chain”

36. More about Systems Structures
Hierarchy eagle
Energy
Quantity
Holarchy Energy
Quality
2) complex systems
in turn
are made up of sub- Holons
systems
rabbit
3) & sub-systems organize
themselves into nested hierarchies
(holarchies)
herbs

37. Energy Transformation Hierarchy
Spatial view of units and their territories
Energy networks including transformation and feedbacks
Aggregation of energy network into an energy chain
Bar graph of the energy flows of the levels in the energy
hierarchy
Bar graph of solar transformities

38. M4.4 Howard Odum *
Systems Ecology Pioneer
Importance of Theory
Odum's Biography
Emergy
The 4th & 5th Principle
Corollaries & Applications

39. There are lots of Fertile Connections
yet to make!!
Odum's Work is not yet applied
to designing Economies
>> & this is a very important job for the next generation of Integral Permaculture
Designers
eg. What would an integration of the work of Silvio Gessell (M5.2) & Howard Odum's + Dana
Meadow's (M4.5) work look like? Because it will be very likely produce important break-
throughs ....
“If the bewildering complexity of human knowledge
developed in the 20th century is to be retained and
well used, unifying concepts are needed to
consolidate the understanding of systems of many
kinds and to simplify the teaching of general
principles."
knowledge >> general principles

40. Use of Energy & Resources
Exponential Growth of the Economy
Loss of BioDiversity
Population
Pollution
knowledge >> general principles
Could it be that
Cr
we needed all
ea
this excess
tiv
nt
e
sce
energy to get to
De
al A
truly understand
sce
nt
sustainability
stri
Indu
engineering
Post-Industrial
Sustainable AS A
Culture
SPECIES?
David
Holmgren

41. Eg.2 -
Multinationals as
efficient predators
NOT inevitable,
just a good use of pattern
To maximize power of an economic activity,
local resources > used & exchanged for additional resources.
Ej. Good land planted with addition of fertilizers > people buy lots of produce.
> Good profits > buy more inefficient land > repeat process many times.
> Successful management survives + copied by others.
> Because their work helps to increase energy consumption of the whole economy
> this behavior sustained by the economy & survives > keeps 'feeding' off others ..

42. 1) developing storages of high-quality energy,
2) feeding back work from storages to increase inflows,
Each US $ is equivalent to some
1,000,000,000,000 Solar emergy joules

43. 2) complex systems have
Energy Hierarchies ... in turn sub-systems
Multinationals
3) & sub-systems are
organized
in nested
Companies hierarchies
1) have components Small
Businesses
> US at this level >

44. Odum's Contribution to
Systems Science
 Howard Odum “Energy Basis for Man and Nature”
 A base of PermaCulture (diploma work)
 his contribution:
 Ecosystems as flows of energy
 Incorporate living & non-living elements
 Incorporating human systems & economies as an
integral part of the natural world
An un-comfortable fit
> sometime un-popular even
with ecologists ...

45. Developed a "systems language" in
symbols
P a t h w a y L in e : a f lo w o f e n e r g y , o f te n w ith a f lo w
o f m a te r ia ls .
S O U R C E : o u ts id e s o u r c e o f e n e r g y ; a f o r c in g f u n c tio n
.
S T O R A G E : a c o m p a r tm e n t o f e n e r g y s to r a g e w ith i n th e s y s te m
s to r in g q u a n tity a s th e b a la n c e o f in f lo w s a n d o u tf lo w s

46. systems pattern language
IN T E R A C T IO N : p r o c e s s w h ic h c o m b in e s d if f e r e n t ty p e s
o f e n e r g y f lo w s o r m a te r ia l f lo w s to p r o d u c e a n
o u tf lo w in p r o p o r tio n to a f u n c tio n o f th e in f lo w s .
P R O D U C E R : u n it th a t c o lle c ts a n d tr n a s f o r m s lo w - q u a lity
e n e r g y u n d e r c o n tr o l in te r a c tio n s o f h ig h e r q u a lity f lo w s .
.
C O N S U M E R : u n it th a t tr a n s f o r m s e n e r g y q u a lity , s to r e s it,
a n d f e e d s it b a c k a u to c a ta ly tic a lly to im p r o v e in f lo w

47. source
Q ui ckTi m e™ and a
TI FF ( LZW) decom pr ess or
ar e needed t o s ee t hi s pi ct ur e.
process
producer consumer
storage
47

48. Emergy Accounting
shrimp harvest +1092*
losses to local region - 602
losses for Ecuador - 1100
gains for the USA + 710
Accounting
* in millons of Em$ per year

49. There are lots of Fertile Connections
yet to make!!
Odum's Work is not yet applied
to designing Ecologies, either
>> which is crucial if we're to create really thriving, long-term sustainable Integral
Permaculture Designs
eg. What would a truly mature International "Permaculture" Community look like?
>> "Permaculture" in the general sense: everyone who is working towards a sustainable
culture.
Systems that maximize power are also systems that feed-back to a bigger system.
Eg. a tree uses solar energy to increase leaf area ... in this
process the tree supports the vegetation
system, increasing nutrients, creating a
stable micro-climate, cycling nutrients
>
& providing animal food. Thus the tree
maximizes own power & the power
of the system it belongs to.

50. The Big General Pattern
that KILLS IDEAS-
BIODIVERSITY & connection
seems to be our INABILITY to
Resolve Conflics Fear of
Discussion
Avoidance
Get Impatient
Demonizing
Minimizing No adequate
Technology &
Don't Knowledge
Listen
knowledge >> general principles

51. & how will all this interact
with these other 'high energy
stores' stories ..
Petrol

52. & how will all this interact
with these other 'high energy
stores' stories ..
Money
Each country by gold and foreign currency reserves minus external debt.
It is based on 2009 data from the CIA Factbook
Source: Wikipedia

53. & how will all this interact
with these other 'high energy
stores' stories ..
¿Knowledge?