David Holmgren is best known as the co-originator of the permaculture concept following the publication of Permaculture One in 1978. Within the growing and international permaculture movement, David is respected for his commitment to presenting ideas through practical projects and teaching by example that a permaculture way of living is a realistic, attractive and powerful alternative to dependant consumerism. As well as his involvement in the pragmatic side of permaculture, David is passionate about the philosophical and conceptual foundations for sustainability that are highlighted in his 2002 book, Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability. His 2009 book, Future Scenarios: how communities can adapt to peak oil and climate change outlines energy descent futures that could emerge over the next few decades. David's refreshing and unorthodox approach to the environmental issues of our time has been a major influence on the Transition Towns movement.
David is currently writing a new book set for release in early 2017. RetroSuburbia: a downshifter's guide to a resilient future is focussed on rebuilding the household economy, and the ongoing and incremental changes we can make to our built, biological and behavioural landscapes.
David and his partner Su Dennett live at Melliodora, a one-hectare property in central Victoria. It is one of Australia's best-documented permaculture demonstration sites.