Encouraging Global Collaboration on Environmental Science and Management

Mark Johnson, Retired, SETAC North America President; Chris Stransky, GEI Consultants, SETAC North America Vice President

It seems everything has changed since the last U.S. presidential election. Funding for many governmental science programs focused on public health and the environment have been threatened, stopped or greatly curtailed. U.S. federal workers entrusted to protect the environment and conduct needed research have been disrespected, threatened and/or fired. Orders to repeal whole environmental regulations have been issued. Changes to worldwide trade have affected investments, and travel to and from the U.S. has created anxiety. Keyword searches using artificial intelligence and other techniques are used to identify programs to target for reductions or elimination of Federal support and resources. What is up is now down, and we find ourselves in a period where environmental science and management is suddenly no longer valued at the top levels of government in the U.S. This is particularly relevant when the worldwide human population approaches 9 billion and per capita resources are decreasing. The ability of our planet to safely sustain our population now and in the future is clearly at risk.

SETAC is a global organization that values the use of environmental science to help make informed management decisions. SETAC workshops to approach and investigate important and complex environmental issues and solutions are designed to include a variety of expertise from different sectors (academia, government, industry, nonprofit) around the globe. All SETAC Geographic Units hold regular meetings, open to scientists of various disciplines from all over the world, to share and learn of the latest research, network and build relationships that drive collaboration.

The leadership of SETAC North American values the expertise, diversity and global reach of the SETAC membership. Our community includes members from across the world, and within SETAC North America, this includes Canada, Mexico and the United States. In times of political and social division, empathy and understanding is crucial. Moreover, it is more important than ever to stand together and uphold the principles of scientific collaboration, inclusivity and mutual respect. Scientific exchange and dialogue remain critical, regardless of political changes. We warmly invite all members to join us at the SETAC North America 46th Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon, later this year, where we will continue advancing science together and provide a welcoming environment to all.  

We welcome ideas from our members and colleagues on how we can enable further collaborations and dialogue, while maintaining enthusiasm and passion that drive the advancement of scientific knowledge that is so vital to protecting environmental health and resources. We greatly encourage our members to continue to engage, even in the face of political tensions and disagreements, and to continue to work on important environmental research and seeking solutions. Political conditions can shift quickly, but the need to protect our environment is ever-pressing.

Authors’ contact: [email protected] or [email protected]