Walter V. Reid

Science for managing ecosystem services: Beyond the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) introduced a new framework for analyzing social–ecological systems that has had wide influence in the policy and scientific communities. Studies after the MA are taking up new challenges in the basic science needed to assess, project, and manage flows of ecosystem services and effects on human well-being. Yet, our ability to draw general conclusions remains limited by focus on discipline-bound sectors of the full social–ecological system. At the same time, some polices and practices intended to improve ecosystem services and human well-being are based on untested assumptions and sparse information. The people who are affected and those who provide resources are increasingly asking for evidence that interventions improve ecosystem services and human well-being. New research is needed that considers the full ensemble of processes and feedbacks, for a range of biophysical and social systems, to better understand and manage the dynamics of the relationship between humans and the ecosystems on which they rely. Such research will expand the capacity to address fundamental questions about complex social–ecological systems while evaluating assumptions of policies and practices intended to advance human well-being through improved ecosystem services.

Earth System Science for Global Sustainability: Grand Challenges

Progress in understanding and addressing both global environmental change and sustainable development requires better integration of social science research. Tremendous progress has been made in understanding the functioning of the Earth system and, in particular, the impact of human actions (1). Although this knowledge can inform management of specific features of our world in transition, societies need knowledge that will allow them to simultaneously reduce global environmental risks while also meeting economic development goals. For example, how can we advance science and technology, change human behavior, and influence political will to enable societies to meet targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to avoid dangerous climate change? At the same time, how can we meet needs for food, water, improved health and human security, and enhanced energy security? Can this be done while also meeting the United Nations Millennium Development Goals of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger and ensuring ecosystem integrity?

Strengthening the Use of Science In Achieving the Goals of the Endangered Species Act: An Assessment By the Ecological Society of America

The Ecological Society of America is the nations leading professional society of ecologists representing 7500 ecological researchers in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and 62 other nations. Founded in 1915, ESA seeks to promote the responsible application of ecological principles to the solution of environmental problems through ESA reports, journals, research, and expert testimony to Congress. In March of 1992, then President of the Ecological Society of America, H. Ronald Pulliam, established an Ecological Society of America ad hoc Committee on Endangered Species. The primary charge to this committee, made up of nine distinguished ecologists, was to produce a report addressing the ecological issues relevant to reauthorization of the Endangered Species Act. The Societys goal in this endeavor was to provide legislators with scientifically credible information. The Ecological Society of America has produced other reports focusing on possible ecological consequences of the release of genetically modified organisms, delineation of wetlands, and ecological research priorities. These reports have been favorably received and viewed as credible because of the Ecological Societys reputation and because the reports focused on science in a policy context. The following document is based on an exhaustive effort on the part of the ad hoc Committee that included soliciting comments on earlier drafts from some 30 academic, public, and private agency biologists, open discussions on the topic during annual meetings of the Ecological Society of America, and external review by 20 other biological scientists. It is our hope that this report will prove useful as Congress considers reauthorization of the Endangered Species Act. I For a copy of the report or further information contact: The Ecological Society of America, 2010 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036. Ph: (202) 8338773; Fax: (202) 833-8775.

Nature: the many benefits of ecosystem services.

Back to nature?In aCommentary in Nature last month, Douglas J. McCauley argued that with little evidence to show that market-based conservation works, the time was ripe for a return to the protection of nature for natures sake. Predictably this has provoked comment, and in Correspondence this week, the issues are aired.

Developing countries are combating climate change : Actions in developing countries that slow growth in carbon emissions

Abstract The role of developing countries in helping to solve the problem of climate change is increasingly a focus of political controversy. With levels of greenhouse gas emissions projected to exceed those of developed countries by 2020, some industrialized countries are calling on developing countries to take stronger actions to meet the commitments they have made in the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC). This review of recent policy changes in developing countries, however, suggests that they are already taking little appreciated steps that reduce rates of growth in carbon emissions. Indeed, since the 1992 signing of the FCCC, carbon emission savings in developing countries may be greater than those attained by industrialized countries. A major source of these gains can be attributed to energy price reforms that are likely to have led to substantial gains in production and end-use efficiency.

Earth System Research Priorities

Human-induced climate change was unknown outside of limited scientific circles just 25 years ago, but it has now become the focus of intense national discussions and international negotiations. One chapter in the story of how this issue moved from lab benches to national capitals was recognized by the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, which was co-awarded to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for its influential assessments of the state of scientific knowledge. But the story also involves the research itself; in particular, that catalyzed by the Global Environmental Change Research Programmes* and the Earth System Science Partnership. These programs, sponsored by the International Council for Science (ICSU) in partnerships with other international science organizations (www.icsu.org), have helped to catalyze and guide global environmental research for several decades. But its time to propose new research priorities, and ICSU seeks input through a Web consultation process now under way.

Sustainable development - lessons from success

tag=1 data=Sustainable development: lessons from success. by Walter V.C. Reid. tag=2 data=Reid, Walter V.C. tag=3 data=Economic Impact. tag=5 data=71/2 tag=6 data=1990 tag=7 data=26-32. tag=8 data=DEVELOPMENT tag=9 data=SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT tag=10 data=Evidence is meagre but growing, says the author, that developing countries are becoming increasingly attuned to the need for ecology restoration and for finding ways to redraft tax laws and other policies so as to minimize environmental degradation. tag=11 data=1990/2/8 tag=12 data=235 tag=13 data=CAB

Responding to potential impacts of climate change on U.S. coastal biodiversity

Abstract Accelerated rates of sea level rise and other impacts of climate change resulting from global warming are likely to aggravate threats to coastal biodiversity in the United States. Species restricted to or dependent upon a narrow band of habitat close to sea level will be subjected to continuing threats of development from above, and rising sea levels from below. In five states alone, almost 500 rare and imperiled species utilize the coastal fringe below the 10‐foot contour. Some 53 species federally listed as threatened or endangered or as candidates for listing are found only within the narrow band below the 10‐foot contour. Rising seas will stress coastal habitats including wetlands, barrier islands, coral reefs, and mangroves, in some cases substantially reducing their area. To ensure the conservation of coastal biodiversity global warming must be slowed as much as possible. Steps must also be taken quickly to establish coastal zone policies that allow adaptive response to rising seas by makin...