Green Group discussion

I couldn't agree with you more. As a marine biologist (who lives in Michigan, but that's another story!) and environmental scientist, I have seen the impacts of invasives firsthand. I think people who think invasives are increasing biodiversity don't have a good understanding of food webs and ecosystems. They don't understand the role of niches and how invasives affect them.

Here in Michigan, there is a *slightly*, and I do mean slightly, more informed sector of the public because we've been dealing with zebra mussels and sea lampreys for so long. I've noticed that as our asian carp problem grows, there is not as much denial of the issue (although it's still there).

I think that the responsibility for making the danger of invasives understood lies with us, the scientists. The average person is not going to spend the time to educate themselves, especially if they perceive no immediate threat to their way of life (however mistaken that perception might be). I think that we, as scientists, have spent too long bemoaning the lack of understanding and doing almost nothing to alleviate it. I see positive steps here in Michigan and I hope the trend continues. With a growing movement in both environmental communication and science communication, in general, I'm hopeful that things will continue to improve. Hopefully, it will snowball and pick up speed as more scientists and communications folks climb on board.

I completely agree too, I'm an ecologist and environmental consultant in South Wales, UK, and we frequently have to advice and monitoring invasive species. However I can't say that the supposed increase in species diversity has ever been the widespread a myth over here. Generally people are quite aware that non native species are a real problem, partly due to the plight of the Red Squirrel whose population has plummeted over the past few years due to the arrival of the Grey Squirrel. This has been a very well publicised and widespread issue and as it involves a cute furry animal the general public really took it on board and so understand the issues with non native species very well.

As Ann points out we as environmental workers need to educate people about the issues with non natives and I must say on of the easiest and most effective is to use an example everyone likes, such as the Red Squirrel here in the UK.

Thanks for that link Melissa! I've read "Unscientific America" and really enjoyed it. I'm glad the opinion of scientist-communicators is changing; I was really upset when I read how Carl Sagan was treated by his fellow scientists. I'm finishing up my Master's and we had to take a class called environmental communications-maybe it's a sign that the need is starting to be recognized.

I think part of it is the receptiveness (not sure if that's a word) of the audience too. I can imagine in some cases no matter what you say or how well you say it some people will just refuse to listen and believe what is said.

Don't know how you'd overcome such a problem, especially with environmental issues.