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Above the din but in the fray: environmental scientists as effective advocates
Author(s) -
Meyer Judy L,
Frumhoff Peter C,
Hamburg Steven P,
de la Rosa Carlos
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
frontiers in ecology and the environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.918
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1540-9309
pISSN - 1540-9295
DOI - 10.1890/090143
Subject(s) - political science , public relations , citizen science , environmental policy , engineering ethics , sociology , environmental resource management , engineering , botany , environmental science , biology
Environmental policies and actions can be improved when environmental scientists engage in science‐based advocacy, by calling attention to relevant scientific information and ensuring that policies and their implementation are consistent with the best available science. There are many models for scientist‐advocates within and outside of advocacy organizations, and the roles they play may vary, depending on career stage. Here, we discuss the challenges and rewards for scientific staff in science‐based advocacy organizations, as well as for an academic working with an advocacy organization, as a consultant, collaborator, or member of an advisory board. We identify some best practices for science‐based advocacy and encourage the environmental science community to recognize the importance of the scientist‐advocate's role in strengthening environmental policy.