Teaching conservation biology to conservation biologists - January 16, 2009
Scientists can’t just talk the talk, they have to walk the walk, argues marine biologist Giovanni Bearzi, from the Tethys Research Institute in Italy. In an editorial published in Conservation Biology he calls for conservation biologists to take action and, among other things, stop eating swordfish. He writes:
We think of ourselves as professionals who are aware of environmental problems and work hard to solve them, but we pay little heed to what we do, buy, and consume. Some of my reputable colleagues drive SUVs to the office every day, possibly where they write about climate change. I know excellent biologists who spend much of their professional lives condemning unsustainable fisheries or reporting high levels of toxic contaminants in marine megafauna, yet when eating at a restaurant they order swordfish or tuna from overfished and declining stocks.
... Although most conservation biologists probably behave noticeably better than most uninformed citizens, it is disturbing to see the hypocrisy of avowed conservationists, as if monks advocating poverty were to wear jewelry and expensive silk robes.
Strong stuff. Bearzi admits that biologists refraining from unsustainable practices "is not meant to be a recipe to save the planet" — it's more about setting an example.
Indeed, Nature has previously raised the case for reconsidering the costs of flying and attending scientific conferences.
Top image: NOAA.
Comments
Giovanni here is talking about a real, widespread issue and he has hit the nail on the head. Being a conservation biologist myself I am appalled at how some ecologists leave their passion for conservation behind at the office. When i have confronted friends or colleagues about their questionable practices, the response has been "oh, just one person can't make a difference". As scientists, we need to distinguish ourselves from flag-waving environmentalists, but we still need to apply the same principles to ourselves that we are preaching.
Posted by: Hereti Gray | January 16, 2009 04:29 PM
"No" is the essence of all 21st century Enviro-whinerism. Don't build, don't plant, don't improve, don't use, don't go, don't do... DON'T! "Orthodoxy means not thinking — not needing to think. Orthodoxy is unconsciousness." George Orwell, "Nineteen Eighty-Four"
Who wants to abandon Kraton thermoplastic elastomers and return to shoe leather? Not cows!
Posted by: Uncle Al | January 16, 2009 07:37 PM