Canadian Case 6

Canadian Case 6 from most scientists, who typically are not deeply involved in civic discussions about policies. Clearly, there is an important role for scientists to play as environmental citi- David Schindler—A Scientist and zens. There are even several societies organized to Citizen Environmentalist encourage this expert participation, such as the Union of Concerned Scientists, a non-governmental U.S. organiza- tion founded in 1969 and supported by 50 000 citizens David Schindler is a Professor in Biological Sciences at the and scientists, mostly in the United States. University of Alberta, Edmonton. He is perhaps the leading Some of Schindler’s advocacy has resulted in impor- ecologist in Canada, with a global reputation. He has won tant changes that have yielded substantial benefits to numerous awards, including the Stockholm Water Prize in environmental quality. This has included the removal of 1991 (this is considered the equivalent of a Nobel Prize in phosphorus from detergents and the construction of aquatic science) and the Gerhard Herzberg Medal for sewage-treatment plants to reduce eutrophication, and Science and Engineering in 2001 (this is a Canadian reductions of sulphur dioxide emissions to reduce acidifi- award to the “scientist of the year”). Schindler studies cation. In spite of these positive results, however, aquatic systems, with specific interests in ecosystem-level Schindler’s advocacy about other important environmen- studies, biogeochemistry, and experimental ecology. He tal issues has yet to yield the necessary economic and has worked extensively on lakes and watersheds in the management changes. This has particularly been the boreal, arctic, alpine, and montane biomes. He is perhaps case with respect to emissions of greenhouse gases most famous for his role in pioneering the use of whole- implicated in global warming, and the control of organic lake experimental studies in the Experimental Lakes Area and nutrient-laden effluents from intensive livestock-rear- of northwestern Ontario (see Canadian Focus 20.1). ing facilities. David Schindler’s research has focused on the effects of human activities on freshwater ecosystems and Question the resources they provide. His work has been highly interdisciplinary and it generally engages teams of scien- 1. Do you think that environmental scientists should tists working on diverse aspects of some broader problem, actively participate in public debates involving their such as the causes and effects of eutrophication, acidifi- expert subject area? Or should they restrict their pro- cation, or climate change, or the cycling of persistent fessional activities to their science interests, and organochlorines and radioactive elements. allow public advocacy groups to lead the charge in But Schindler has not only been an outstanding sci- terms of informing public policy? entist—he has also worked hard to ensure that his work and that of his colleagues is used to inform decision mak- Selected References ers and to formulate ecologically sound management pol- Dr. David W. Schindler. 2002. www.biology.ualberta.ca/ icy in Canada, the U.S., and Europe. This willingness to faculty/david_schindler/index.php?Page=1023 engage in high-profile public debates about environmen- Union of Concerned Scientists. Citizens and Scientists for tal policy and management practices sets Schindler aside Environmental Solutions. 2002. www.ucsusa.org/.

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