Most ecologists are inherently interested in preserving the natural environment and developing a sustainable future for human activities within it. Nevertheless, most ecologists have isolated themselves from an active role in determining government policy associated with environment. Often we are worried that our results have residual uncertainty, our colleagues will think poorly of us, or that our schedules do not allow time to participate in the policy process.
Results/Conclusions
Here I will argue that none of these excuses is legitimate—that significant contributions to the policy process can stem from relatively limited data, translation and transmission of results is part of our profession, and participation in the policy process is fun and rewarding. Policy makers often appreciate and benefit from clear explanations of basic concepts of ecology, specifically applied to the situation that faces them. And it is often easier to focus on what is known, rather than what is unknown, even though our profession values our efforts to address the latter.