Several years ago, an ESA committee chaired by Judy Meyer recommended the publication of an ongoing series of “white papers” designed to better communicate scientific findings on environmental problems to elected officials and the public. This recommendation evolved into “Ecological Issues,” a new publication jointly sponsored by ESA and the Pew Foundation. “Ecological Issues” will be a series of reports, each about 12 to 20 pages, aimed at elected officials, federal and state agency personnel, other policy makers, and educators of high school and college students. The ESA Public Affairs Office will help publicize and distribute the reports.
Each Ecological Issues report will present the findings of a review and synthesis panel composed of scientists with expertise on a particular environmental issue.
Each report will undergo full peer and editorial review. Typically two forms of each report will be published. The first will be the report of the Review and Synthesis - Panel, and the second will be a version of that report revised by a science writer to make it more accessible to non-scientists. Reports will be published only after they are reviewed and endorsed by the Editorial Board and the Editor-in-Chief of Ecological Issues.
The first two Review and Synthesis Panels are finalizing their reports: the panel chaired by Peter Vitousek on “Human Impacts on the Global Nitrogen Cycle” and one chaired by Gretchen Daily on “Ecosystem Services.” Topics for future reports include:
- Exploitation of Marine Fisheries
- Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning
- Environmental Impacts of Species Invasions
- Non-point Pollution of Aquatic Ecosystems
- Pathogens and the Long-Term Stability of they Agriculture and Forestry Industries
- Fragmentation of Warm Climate Ecosystems as Baby Boomers Retire.
We would greatly appreciate suggestions of other topics and volunteers/nominations of potential members for Synthesis and Review Panels. The success of Ecological Issues hinges on the voluntary assistance of professionals. All those interested in this activity are encouraged to help.
The Editor-in-Chief of Ecological Issues is David Tilman (tilman@swan.lter.umn.edu) and the members of the editorial board are Stephen Carpenter, Deborah Jensen, Simon Levin, Jane Lubchenco, Judy Meyer, Gordon Orians, and William Schlesinger. A grant from the Pew Foundation assures sufficient support to produce 10 - 14 reports over a 3-year period.