On Embedding Meta-ecosystems into a Socioecological Framework: A Reply to Renaud et al.

Gounand, Isabelle; Harvey, Éric; Little, Chelsea J.; Altermatt, Florian

doi:10.1016/j.tree.2018.04.004

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 9 publications

(12 reference statements)

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“…Human activities are important here because their effects on the biophysical context are nearly ubiquitous and, thus, are inseparable parts of the study objects. For answering a biologi-cal question (for example, about the interaction of two species), however, it is not necessary to study human activities themselves nor their causes (see also Gounand et al 2018). With its focus on biological research questions, invasion biology usually does not need to directly incorporate knowledge and methods from the social sciences or humanities.…”

Section: Invasion Biology: Natural Science Embedded In a Societal Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

Some reflections on current invasion science and perspectives for an exciting future

Heger¹,

Jeschke²,

Kollmann³

2021

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Species spreading beyond their native ranges are important study objects in ecology and environmental sciences and research on biological invasions is thriving. Along with an increase in the number of publications, the research field is experiencing an increase in the diversity of methods applied and questions asked. This development has facilitated an upsurge in information on invasions, but it also creates conceptual and practical challenges. To provide more transparency on which kind of research is actually done in the field, the distinction between invasion science, encompassing the full spectrum of studies on biological invasions and the sub-field of invasion biology, studying patterns and mechanisms of species invasions with a focus on biological research questions, can be useful. Although covering a smaller range of topics, invasion biology today still is the driving force in invasion science and we discuss challenges stemming from its embeddedness in the social context. Invasion biology consists of the building blocks ‘theory’, ‘case studies’ and ‘application’, where theory takes the form of conceptual frameworks, major hypotheses and statistical generalisations. Referencing recent work in philosophy of science, we argue that invasion biology, like other biological or ecological disciplines, does not rely on the development of an all-encompassing theory in order to be efficient. We suggest, however, that theory development is nonetheless necessary and propose improvements. Recent advances in data visualisation, machine learning and semantic modelling are providing opportunities for enhancing knowledge management and presentation and we suggest that invasion science should use these to transform its ways of publishing, archiving and visualising research. Along with a stronger focus on studies going beyond purely biological questions, this would facilitate the efficient prevention and management of biological invasions.

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Section: Invasion Biology: Natural Science Embedded In a Societal Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

Some reflections on current invasion science and perspectives for an exciting future

Heger¹,

Jeschke²,

Kollmann³

2021

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“…Future research may aim at a closer integration of the conceptual framework of ecological novelty with the growing field of research on human–nature interactions (cf. Collins et al 2011, Díaz et al 2015, Ellis 2015, Perring et al 2015, Gounand et al 2018).…”

Section: Future Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards an Integrative, Eco-Evolutionary Understanding of Ecological Novelty: Studying and Communicating Interlinked Effects of Global Change

et al. 2019

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Global change has complex eco-evolutionary consequences for organisms and ecosystems, but related concepts (e.g., novel ecosystems) do not cover their full range. Here we propose an umbrella concept of “ecological novelty” comprising (1) a site-specific and (2) an organism-centered, eco-evolutionary perspective. Under this umbrella, complementary options for studying and communicating effects of global change on organisms, ecosystems, and landscapes can be included in a toolbox. This allows researchers to address ecological novelty from different perspectives, e.g., by defining it based on (a) categorical or continuous measures, (b) reference conditions related to sites or organisms, and (c) types of human activities. We suggest striving for a descriptive, non-normative usage of the term “ecological novelty” in science. Normative evaluations and decisions about conservation policies or management are important, but require additional societal processes and engagement with multiple stakeholders.

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“…There, an increase in mean air temperature is expected to induce changes in precipitation and runoff patterns and increase the frequency of extreme climatic events (IPCC 2018 , 2021 ). Climate change impacts terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems simultaneously, and by crossing over the boundaries of one ecosystem, climate effects may modify or enhance effects on adjacent ecosystems (cross-ecosystem impacts) (Loreau et al 2003 ; Gounand et al 2018 ). For example, in many Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, changes affecting snow (snow accumulation, thawing events) are impacting the timing and magnitude of spring snowmelt floods that play an important role in the transport of particulate matter (terrestrial carbon, nutrients, contaminants) to downstream freshwater and coastal ecosystems (Kane et al 2003 ; Finlay et al 2006 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, in many Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, changes affecting snow (snow accumulation, thawing events) are impacting the timing and magnitude of spring snowmelt floods that play an important role in the transport of particulate matter (terrestrial carbon, nutrients, contaminants) to downstream freshwater and coastal ecosystems (Kane et al 2003 ; Finlay et al 2006 ). Such cross-ecosystem impacts have implications for Indigenous peoples and local communities and for industries such as tourism, aquaculture, fisheries, hydroelectric power plants, reindeer husbandry, and agriculture (Gounand et al 2018 ). Understanding the socioecological impacts of such broad-scale changes requires a collaborative approach that draws on both research and practice, including the knowledge that Indigenous peoples and local communities have accumulated about the interactions between climate, ecosystems, and society.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fifteen research needs for understanding climate change impacts on ecosystems and society in the Norwegian High North

Kebir,

Chambers,

Frainier

et al. 2023

Ambio

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There is an urgent need to understand and address the risks associated with a warming climate for ecosystems and societies in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. There are major gaps in our understanding of the complex effects of climate change—including extreme events, cascading impacts across ecosystems, and the underlying socioecological dynamics and feedbacks—all of which need collaborative efforts to be resolved. Here, we present results where climate scientists, ecologists, social scientists, and practitioners were asked to identify the most urgent research needs for understanding climate change impacts and to identify the actions for reducing future risks in catchment areas in the Norwegian High North, a region that encompasses both Arctic and sub-Arctic climates in northern Norway. From a list of 77 questions, our panel of 19 scientists and practitioners identified 15 research needs that should be urgently addressed. We particularly urge researchers to investigate cross-ecosystem impacts and the socioecological feedbacks that could amplify or reduce risks for society.

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On Embedding Meta-ecosystems into a Socioecological Framework: A Reply to Renaud et al.

Cited by 7 publications

References 9 publications

Some reflections on current invasion science and perspectives for an exciting future

Some reflections on current invasion science and perspectives for an exciting future

Towards an Integrative, Eco-Evolutionary Understanding of Ecological Novelty: Studying and Communicating Interlinked Effects of Global Change

Fifteen research needs for understanding climate change impacts on ecosystems and society in the Norwegian High North

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