what is ecology worth?

@cjlortie

greenwashing

co-opted and confused

ecology is not

conservation, restoration, management, environmental science

basic discipline

interactions

biotic-bioticabiotic-biotic

modelsexperimentsobservation

ecological myths

there is a balance of nature

every species is special

worth

maxims facilitate merit assessment of ecosystems

criticism of ecology has been profound

ecology is a curious child determined to sample & explore lifeon her own unconventional terms

Aarssen 1997

society often demands conclusive answers & scientific debate is confused for lack of understanding

practical ecology the interpretation of patterns & interactions

using any approach that generates inspiration

modern synthesis

pluralisma condition or system in which two or more

states, groups, principles coexist.

practical ecology is therefore integrative ecology

collective solutions lead to synthesis & integration

worth

novel synthesis: even basic to basic can become complex

BDEF

biodiversity ecosystem function

global extinctions are an exceptional challenge

Gerber 2010

reductions in contemporary diversity lead to reductions in the function of ecosystems

dramatic innovations in BD-EF

magnitude, resilience, context dependency, & resistance to invasions by exotic species

resilience in processes

worth

BDEF: function ~ service paradigm

Is biodiversity the main driver of ecosystem function?

Srivastava 2002

How will extinction patterns change BD-EF relationships?

what can we afford to lose and how much will it cost us?

Will conserving regional biodiversity conserve local ecosystem function?

worth

BDEF: begins the commodification process

concept of worth

Aronson et al. 2006

process-based model

ecological knowledge + restoration

ER

ecological restoration

ailments

biodiversity & ecosystem services

indicators

not just intact or natural systems

treatment

humans as integral members of ecosystems

outcomes

natural capital and win-win scenarios

idealistic but executable

worth

ideas that can deliver

Millenium Ecosystem Assessment

products

costs

whether product or cost, natural capital is a critical concept

worth

RNC

restoring natural capital

pragmatic

1. Mainstreaming2. Creating employment3. Enhancing services & goods4. Locally realistic5. Restoring self-sustaining systems6. Planning with locals

tactics

consider profits

specifics mostly relevant but important wake-up call

manage for natural capital if not profits

worth

natural capital (& RNC) adds a novel asset concept

natural capital also acts a connector between ecology and human action

multiple dimensions of meaning

merit badges

diversity

the more tools basic science can offer to make practical decisions, the better decisions people can make

merit & money: practical instruments