Hi Ecologgers. Two opinion pieces caught my attention in the recent volume of TREE (v32). Both discuss strategies for ecologists to reach outside our bubbles and reach broader audiences regarding the need for society to recognize and resolve environmental and ecological problems. Pyke (2017) employs religion as a metaphor and suggests we need to "preach beyond the converted". Begon (2017) advocates for constructing messages that emphasize emotional appeal rather than always relying on rational argument. Both present strategies aimed at breaking out of our bubbles, i.e., reaching people outside of those traditionally receptive to and familiar with ecological ideas and paradigms. I think such efforts are sorely needed. However, I feel that both writers are missing a fundamental element in all this, the need for establishing relationships that span across our bubbles. Relationships are fundamental to our emotional reactions to new ideas. We are much more likely to be receptive to ideas that reinforce our social networks and groups that we identify with. The breakdown in our politics and our inability to have rational discourse with large portions of the general public I think is rooted in our lack of relationships across tribes and a consequent lack of trust needed for constructive conversation and dialogue. I feel that the most effective strategies will be those aimed at generating opportunity and space for members of the scientific and ecological communities to have respectful conservation with those groups that have developed skepticism towards our communities. Such conversation should strive for mutual understanding rather than simply getting our message out. Having achieved mutual understanding, we will be in a better position to develop societal efforts that address ecological challenges in a way that acknowledges concerns held by a broader range of groups. I wonder how many others out there see the fundamental need for building relationships and having conversations outside our bubbles, and if anyone is or would be interested in working on an opinion piece to this effect (either in response to those published or one that stands on its own). In my current professional position, I do not feel I can devote sufficient time or energy to produce such a piece on my own, but would be interested in collaborating if others are interested.
