Bringing Molecular Tools into Environmental Resource Management: Untangling the Molecules to Policy Pathway

摘要: Increasingly, scientists are drawn to public debates on environmental policy, yet find themselves ill-equipped influence the outcome. While many have collected data (for example, species being considered for listing under Endangered Species Act) or developed technologies detect unregulated waterborne pollutants) relevant current policy debates, communicating these results makers is no guarantee that a rational response will follow. Biologists continually overemphasize technical aspects of their work and almost completely ignore social-political environment in which meant inform. Specifically, most biologists seem believe if they out hurdles then effectively communicate science makers, affect change policy. This grievous mistake one has continued reinforce science/policy divide, rather than anneal it. Scientists who do receive training (RS was 2002–2003 Congressional Science Fellow American Association Advancement Science, sponsorship Geological Society America) quickly learn about “three Ps”—policy, politics, process—that govern lawmaking. tend focus overwhelmingly first “P,” because area where scientific expertise may be brought bear. But does not move forward without attention often complex politics behind bureaucratic processes must navigated. Even once made, its implementation follow scientifically appropriate methods. both improved techniques been after enacted managers constrained by legislatively mandated protocols (no matter how outdated) limited opportunity feedback makers.