A rising star in the sociology of conservation biology
has initiated an effort in the American Sociological
Association for an ASA position on economic growth.
Becky Clausen (and 5 co-authors) explain the rationale
in the Newsletter of the Section on Environment and
Technology:
http://www.steadystate.org/Files/Clausen_ETS_ASA_newsletter.pdf
The first paragraph is particularly relevant to the
SSWG and SCB:
The year 2007 witnessed important breakthroughs in
the professional fields of the natural sciences. In
addition to identifying 700 new species of organisms
in Antarctica and the remnants of a large, birdlike
dinosaur in Mongolia, natural scientists also
discovered a voice of consensus among their colleagues
concerning an often-overlooked area of research the
economy. Those who study the natural world most
closely have taken a broader view of the threats that
face ecological integrity, namely the impact of
economic growth. These biologists have drafted
position statements that recognize a fundamental
conflict between economic growth and the conservation
of biodiversity, taking a significant stance on issues
of multidisciplinary relevance. Seven organizations
have already approved related position statements,
including The Wildlife Society and the Society for
Conservation Biology (NA Section). The American
Fisheries Society, American Society of Mammalogists,
Ecological Society of America, Society for Range
Management and others are considering similar
proposals. These position statements clarify for the
public, the firm, and the policymaker the trade-offs
society faces between increasing production and
consumption of goods and services and environmental
protection.
I did notice an error in the newsletter article. In
one instance, the authors refer to the SSWG, when they
are clearly talking about the WGEESS. Other than
that, the article hits the nail on the head.
Thanks,
Rob Dietz
Chair, WGEESS
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