From the field to the policy arena: Linking science to action

Background/Question/Methods

As we move further into the 21^st century we are seeing the world change at an unprecedented rate.  We expect an additional two billion people to be added to the world before global population begins to level; people are playing an increasing role in ecosystems.  Global temperatures continue to rise and polar ice melt is increasing.  Now, more than ever, these changes are leading to problems that require our immediate attention.  To help find solutions to these problems we must link science to action. Having science play a role in our policy decisions will help increase our ability to tackle difficult global and local ecological problems we face.  To adapt to our changing world we need science to help lead us to a sustainable future.  As scientists, we have an opportunity to impact policies which will guide the decisions and actions of our communities in the future.  The importance of communicating to others outside our field, including the general public and policy makers, to ensure that science plays a role in the decisions shaping our future is vital.

 Results/Conclusions

 As an ecologist working in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Policy Office I have had the opportunity to gain insight into the role science plays in policy, and vice versa.  I will share my experiences as a scientist in the policy arena and my experiences working with decision makers.  I am currently working on an interagency team to develop a sustainability framework for applying science and technology decisions that encompass all aspects of sustainability (environmental, social and economic) across the federal government. I will use this example to illustrate the role science plays in policy and decision making.  I will also touch on some of the opportunities scientists have to play a role in policy and decision making.