For Immediate Release<?xml:namespace prefix =3D o ns =3D "urn:schemas-mi= crosoft-com:office:office" /> American Society of Mammalogists Adopts a Resolution on Economic Growth =
= <?xml:namespace prefix =3D v ns =3D "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" /><?= xml:namespace prefix =3D w ns =3D "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word= " />What=92s new? = On June 9, 2007, at the 87th Annual Meeting of the American Society of M= ammalogists (ASM) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the ASM adopted a resoluti= on on economic growth. The ASM described a =93fundamental conflict betw= een economic growth and the conservation of ecosystems=94 based upon sci= entifically established principles. The ASM noted that an economy has a= n =93optimal size=94 and that growth beyond the optimum reduces human we= lfare in addition to threatening other species. = Why did the ASM adopt a resolution on economic growth? = The ASM joined a growing number of professional, scientific societies th= at are taking positions on economic growth rather than relegating public= discussions of economic growth to economists, politicians, commercial i= nterests, and social activists. The ASM was particularly concerned abou= t the misleading rhetoric that =93there is no conflict between growing t= he economy and protecting the environment.=94 The ASM believes that the= public and policy makers must have a firm knowledge of the tradeoffs be= tween economic growth and other important aspects of human welfare (such= as wildlife conservation and environmental health) to develop appropria= te economic policy goals and programs. The ASM suggests that, in many n= ations, a =93steady state economy=94 has become a more appropriate goal = than economic growth. = How will the resolution be used? = The resolution will be sent to policy makers, government agencies, think= tanks, and other organizations that craft, analyze, or promote economic= policy. Examples of recipients include members of Congress, the Counci= l of Economic Advisors, the U.S. Council on Environmental Quality, the A= merican Enterprise Institute, and the World Bank. = What is the American Society of Mammalogists? = The ASM (www.mammalsociety.org) was established in 1919 to generate inte= rest in the study of mammals. Today the ASM has over 4,500 members, mos= t of whom are professional scientists with a strong interest in the publ= ic good. The ASM provides information useful for public policy, resourc= es management, conservation, and education. = = Where can I find additional information on the ASM resolution? = For more information, please contact ASM Public Relations Chair, John Yu= nger ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), or one of the following ASM members: Brian Cz= ech ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), Oliver Pergams ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), Steve Sheffield (s= [EMAIL PROTECTED]). =
