087: Complexity and the commons with Simon Levin

In this episode, Michael speaks with Simon Levin, professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University. Simon is a giant in the field of ecology, and in the last several decades his work has extended to the study of the social-ecological systems, cooperation, and the governance of the commons. His work in this area includes the book Fragile Dominion: Complexity and the Commons, which is a great introduction to Simon’s ideas on society and ecology for non-experts. Simon talks with Michael about his views on the commons as well as a range of topics including climate change, the COVID pandemic, biological and cultural evolution, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Simon’s website: https://slevin.princeton.edu/

References:

Levin, S. 1999. Fragile Dominion: Complexity and the Commons. Perseus Books.