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Ecosystems are deeply interconnected – environmental research, policy and management should be too

Rebecca Gladstone-Gallagher, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau; Conrad Pilditch, University of Waikato; Simon Francis Thrush, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Source: The Conversation | Published: April 23, 2024 6.05am AEST

Why are we crossing ecological boundaries that affect Earth's fundamental life-supporting capacity? Is it because we don't have enough information about how ecosystems respond to change? Or are we unable, even unwilling, to use that information better?

We have a lot to learn still, but as we show in our research, using current ecological knowledge more effectively could deliver substantial environmental gains.

Our work focuses on improving links between research and ecosystem management to identify key trigger points for action in a framework that joins land, freshwater and sea ecosystems.

Specifically, we investigate solutions to environmental and societal problems that stem from the disparities between scientific research, policy and management responses to environmental issues.

We need managers and policy makers to consider ecological tipping points and how they can cascade though ecosystems from land into rivers and lakes and, ultimately, the ocean.

Continue Reading at 'The Conversation'

#ClimateChangeImpacts
#NativeFloraFauna
#LandManagement
#ClimateChange

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Gabrielle
[City] NSW
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Great read and important considerations.

Ecosystems are deeply interconnected – environmental research, policy and management should be too

Rebecca Gladstone-Gallagher, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau; Conrad Pilditch, University of Waikato; Simon Francis Thrush, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Source: The Conversation | Published: April 23, 2024 6.05am AEST

Why are we crossing ecological boundaries that affect Earth's fundamental life-supporting capacity? Is it because we don't have enough information about how ecosystems respond to change? Or are we unable, even unwilling, to use that information better?

We have a lot to learn still, but as we show in our research, using current ecological knowledge more effectively could deliver substantial environmental gains.

Our work focuses on improving links between research and ecosystem management to identify key trigger points for action in a framework that joins land, freshwater and sea ecosystems.

Specifically, we investigate solutions to environmental and societal problems that stem from the disparities between scientific research, policy and management responses to environmental issues.

We need managers and policy makers to consider ecological tipping points and how they can cascade though ecosystems from land into rivers and lakes and, ultimately, the ocean.

Continue Reading at 'The Conversation'

#ClimateChangeImpacts
#NativeFloraFauna
#LandManagement
#ClimateChange

------------------------------
Gabrielle
[City] NSW
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