To the future: An ecology of love, hope, and action

Abstract

This is an edited version of a keynote address given at the 2023 Ecological Society of Australia conference (https://youtu.be/0JDJ9RdIkP4). I argue that the practice of ecology gifts us a unique capability to see and understand the beauty, intricacy and wonder of the natural world, but also powerful insight into biodiversity loss and its consequences. With such privilege we should take more responsibility for its protection. We should recognize that love drives our concern for nature and that emotion renders us more persuasive advocates. Despair at environmental loss is understandable but unhelpful, and we must find hope and build from it. Such hope comes, for example, from a sense of community connection to and concern for nature; in increasingly bold commitments by governments and many organizations to protect biodiversity; in the increased recognition and respect shown in Australia for First Nations management and perspectives on responsibility for country; and in those (albeit still too few) success stories of recovery.

An Austral Ecology 5 year retrospective on Natural History Notes: A compelling case for curiosity

“…Sharing knowledge orally has also been shown to improve community access to and engagement with natural history and ecological knowledge (Pardoe et al, 2024). Lastly, collaborations and communication with a wider diversity of people beyond the field of ecology to write natural history observations will support and openly encourage people to be more capable advocates for the protection of nature (Gagnon & Berteaux, 2009;Knapp et al, 2019;Woinarski, 2023).…”

“…Nature can enhance social connection via awe and beauty, with exposure to the natural environment increasing attention to others, facilitating collective engagement, and enhancing the tendency to help, care for and assist others (Goldy & Piff, 2020). Encouraging the community to be curious and engage with natural history observations not only leads people to a deep appreciation of the beauty and mystery of nature but also to care deeply for nature and be an advocate for the environment, responsible for its protection (Ballard et al, 2017;Woinarski, 2023).…”

“…Natural history observations form the beginnings of many children's understanding of the natural world and feeling compelled to conserve it (Keith et al, 2022;Nanglu et al, 2023;Prendergast et al, 2022). This curiosity leads people not only to a deep appreciation of the beauty and mystery of nature but also to care deeply for nature and be an advocate for the environment responsible for its protection (Woinarski, 2023). The articles published in Austral Ecology and this present special issue present a compelling case for curiosity and for publishing Natural History Notes to spur further ecological questions, inform research and advocacy for nature.…”