From the merging of ideas grounded in philosophy, literature, history, and the arts, we recognise that Environmental Humanities is inherently cross-functional (Rissman & Barrow, 2019). This term primarily defines the complex relationship between Homo sapiens and the natural environment (Kraft, 2021). By integrating a humanistic approach with scientific knowledge, this field strives to address the major environmental challenges we face in the twenty-first century (Duara, 2017). The humanities serve as a critical bridge, addressing the human dimensions of environmental and climate change issues (Kraft, 2021).

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The contributions of Environmental Humanities lie in providing insights into our daily interactions with the environment, focusing on the philosophical, historical, and cultural dimensions of environmental questions. This multifaceted approach encourages empathetic reflections on how our ideologies, narratives, and actions shape our relationship with nature (Rissman & Barrow, 2019). Such perspectives are vital (Duara, 2017) as they connect to the solutions we seek for environmental problems rooted in the twentieth century.

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The term "Anthropocene" describes the current geological period, characterised by human-induced changes to Earth's ecosystems and geology (Steffen, 2011). This concept, like the suspicion of global warming, challenges traditional notions of humanity’s place in nature (Holm, 2015). The Anthropocene urges immediate action towards sustainability and calls for reevaluating governance frameworks and economic models. Duara (2017) asserts that humanistic approaches are crucial for effectively addressing these challenges.

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Eco-criticism examines the representation of nature in literature and other cultural productions (Holm, 2015). It reveals how cultural depictions influence our attitudes and actions towards the environment. Environmental justice critiques the unequal distribution of environmental costs and benefits across social groups, as emphasised by O’Gorman (2019, p.448). This theory advocates for fair solutions to ensure that vulnerable populations are not disproportionately burdened by environmental issues.

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The concept of non-human agency, discussed by Holm (2015, p.989), challenges anthropocentric views, emphasising the roles of non-human actors—such as plants, animals, and ecosystems—in shaping environmental outcomes. This shift encourages us to rethink our perceptions of agency within the natural world.

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The Environmental Humanities engages with various investigative approaches, including historical analysis, which seeks to understand how past human interactions with the environment have led to current ecological challenges. This methodology allows researchers to trace present-day environmental issues back to historical human practices and decisions. Additionally, a philosophical exploration of the ethical dimensions of human-environment interactions invites moral reflection on our responsibilities towards nature.

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Literary and cultural studies examining how environmental questions are depicted in art, literature, and media are also essential in shaping public perceptions of environmental issues. These cultural analyses illustrate how the arts and media can reflect societal attitudes towards nature, influencing public opinion and policy.

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Recent scholarship highlights how the humanities intersect with complex, interconnected environmental problems. As noted by Holm et al. (2015, p. 981-985), humanities research can provide significant insights into "wicked problems," which are characterised by interrelated causes and effects that often lead to unforeseen consequences. Kraft (2021) stresses the need for an interdisciplinary approach to environmental research that accommodates diverse perspectives and future scenarios, ultimately facilitating a deeper understanding of environmental complexities and new pathways towards sustainability.

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Rissman & Barrow (2019) underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in environmental research among graduate students. Those engaged in interdisciplinary work reported feeling more supported by their intellectual communities compared to those who viewed conservation as a solitary endeavour. However, challenges arise when students collaborate with non-academic partners, indicating a need for improved training in collaborative skills within environmental studies.

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The concept of the Anthropocene, as elaborated by Duara (2017), extends beyond scientific discourse to challenge conventional wisdom and economic frameworks. It raises essential questions regarding political governance, economic models, public opinion, and corporate responses. Arts-based methodologies, such as those employed by Rafiki Theatre for WASH (Maddan & Smith, 2020, p.1-6) in refugee camps, demonstrate how creative approaches can engage communities in solving complex problems.

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Experiential learning initiatives, such as the On-Water Research Intensive at the University of Pennsylvania and reflective journaling at Macquarie University, exemplify diverse pedagogies within the Environmental Humanities that address complex environmental issues (O'Gorman et al., 2019, p.456). These examples illustrate the variability in teaching methodologies across institutions, reinforcing the idea that there is no singular way to confront environmental challenges.

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One day the day will come when the day won’t come; although it’s not today, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t care. The term "Slow Violence," as articulated by Rob Nixon, describes violence that unfolds over time and is not immediately visible (Nixon, 2011:3). The disappearance of ecosystems and the loss of biodiversity exemplify slow violence, leaving deep scars on both nature and human well-being.

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Disappearing Ecosystems as Slow Violence

Slow violence, as described by Nixon, emphasises the gradual destruction of ecosystems that occurs not through sudden dramatic events but rather through slow, insidious processes. This creeping destruction, observable in rainforests and coral reefs, reveals itself over the long term, with impacts accumulating over time. Rachel Carson’s observations of invisible chemical contamination highlight how chronic harm to ecosystems and human health can persist unnoticed (Carson, 1962: 9,12). The gradual destruction aligns with Nixon’s concept of slow violence due to the protracted diffusion of its effects.

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Richard Fisher elaborates that slow violence often remains hidden in plain sight, occurring so gradually that individuals may fail to recognise its presence. Despite witnessing the severe, lasting consequences of slow violence—such as ecosystem collapse and biodiversity loss—awareness often lags behind the reality of these issues (Fisher, 2021).

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Elizabeth Kolbert's analysis of the current extinction crisis sheds light on how habitat destruction, climate change, and human activities contribute to slow violence through the gradual loss of biodiversity. As Kolbert illustrates, environmental transformation unfolds in phases, rendering the situation increasingly invisible and unmanageable over time (Kolbert, 2014).

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Biodiversity Damage in a Gradual Manner

While background extinction refers to the gradual and natural disappearance of species, mass extinction involves the simultaneous decline of numerous species (Kolbert, 2014: 8, 15-16). Nixon's notion of slow violence resonates deeply with the biodiversity crisis we face today. Human actions—such as deforestation and pollution—accelerate extinction rates, reminiscent of past extinction events in Earth's history. Yet today’s unravelling occurs at a more insidious pace, reducing immediate visibility but proving equally destructive over time.

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Fisher highlights that slow violence often emanates from systems that appear benign or beneficial, yet result in substantial environmental damage over time. This gradual weakening masks accountability among those responsible, allowing biodiversity loss and environmental devastation to persist without public scrutiny (Fisher, 2021). Whitehouse identifies habitat fragmentation and climate change as key contributors to gradual biodiversity loss, reinforcing Nixon's notion of slow violence. Unlike dramatic environmental catastrophes, these subtle processes inflict long-term devastation on ecosystems and species. Fisher further notes that vulnerable communities bear the brunt of these changes, often lacking the resources to address the damage (Fisher, 2021).

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Difficulty in Representation and Mobilisation

Representing slow violence proves challenging. Nixon asserts that media coverage tends to focus on dramatic, immediate acts, rendering slow violence less visible and harder to recognise (Nixon, 2011:3). Fisher expands on this, emphasising that slow violence is often too incremental to generate headlines or provoke outrage (Fisher, 2021). To confront this representational challenge, Carson and Kolbert advocate for new storytelling approaches that effectively capture the urgency of addressing slow, long-term violence (Carson, 1962; Kolbert, 2014).

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In summary, lost ecosystems and diminished biodiversity are indicators of the pervasive nature of slow violence, whose effects unfold through subtle, often invisible processes. The concepts presented elaborate on Nixon's framework of environmental destruction, as narrated by Carson, Kolbert, and Whitehouse, and further explored by Fisher. Acknowledging the existence of slow violence is the first step toward addressing it, enabling us to devise strategies that secure our environment for future generations. The day may not come immediately, but inevitably it approaches when the day won’t come at all.