The North American Benthological Society (mission: “promote better understanding of the biotic communities of lake and stream bottoms and their role in aquatic ecosystems”) is meeting in May in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The meeting (agenda [PDF]) is full of scientists talking about water, climate change, sustainability, rivers, agriculture, etc. (Sexier than I expected!)

The lead keynote is Paul Ehrlich (yes, the Simon-Ehrlich guy), so you would be right to think that this is an ecology funfest. That doesn’t mean that economists are not welcomed (or needed!). For example:

Population and economic growth versus biodiversity conservation

Organizers: Bob Hughes (hughes.bob@epa.gov) Jerry Mead (jvmead@gmail.com)

Aquatic ecologists are increasingly relating the condition of aquatic ecosystems to land use and landscape-scale stressors, but ecological economists and global ecologists view economic and population growth as the root causes of ecosystem impairment. At the same time, local planning agencies are trying to stimulate economic and population growth via increased urban development and employment opportunities. At state and national scales, governments view economic and population growth as desirable if not essential.

An initial set of speakers in this session will document linkages between economic/population growth and the impairment of aquatic ecosystems. Other speakers will offer alternatives to economic and population growth, discuss the limits of technological improvements and research, and suggest optional indices for monitoring quality of life. A brief panel discussion will follow the formal presentations.

Although I lean away from growth and towards ecology [prior post], I also know that scientists don’t always get the social side of the social sciences.

So anyone who’s free should consider contacting these organizers (or sending an abstract) by Jan 21 — just to provide the (bio)diversity of opinion that will create a robust (ideological) ecosystem.

Bottom Line: Scientists and economists need to talk (a lot) about everything if we are to survive and restore balance to our world.