It's time for bold new approaches to link delta science and policymaking
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Abstract
California’s Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta is widely recognized as a highly damaged ecosystem. The Delta is also emblematic of a growing sense worldwide that society needs to do a better job of using scientific knowledge to guide conservation and resource management policies. Fortunately, we now have an unprecedented opportunity to get it right in building structures that support effective science–policy linkages in the Delta. By adopting bold steps to implement a “one Delta, one science” approach for a new Delta Science Plan, California can become a leading example of how to tackle the global problem of rapid ecological change and biodiversity loss.
In this essay, we first describe the current paradox—continued environmental declines despite considerable investments in science and policy actions—and the high stakes of gambling with failure. Next, we explore why it is so hard to use scientific knowledge to design and implement policies that meet society’s sustainability goals. We then outline promising ways to overcome these obstacles, drawing on recent experiences. We conclude with thoughts on how to leverage this experience to develop a bold new approach to Delta science.
Study Area
Publication type | Article |
---|---|
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Title | It's time for bold new approaches to link delta science and policymaking |
Series title | San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science |
DOI | 10.15447/sfews.2013v11iss3art6 |
Volume | 11 |
Issue | 3 |
Year Published | 2013 |
Language | English |
Publisher | John Muir Institute of the Environment |
Contributing office(s) | National Research Program - Western Branch |
Description | 7 p. |
Country | United States |
State | California |
Other Geospatial | Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta |
Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |