SS 26 - The Human Dimensions of Ecology: Sections and Chapters Actively Changing ESA and the Field of Ecology

Session Description: Since 2019, an editorial team of ESA members have worked to highlight ESA sections and chapters by creating a series in the ESA Bulletin titled “Human Dimensions”. This series featured the different ways in which sub-disciplines and communities in the Society–represented by sections and chapters–understand the human element within the field of ecology. The COVID-19 pandemic of the last two and a half years has further highlighted the imperative to acknowledge the human dimensions of our work and identities as ecologists. This Special Session will consist of a short presentation to share themes and findings from this effort followed by a panel and discussion to dive deeper into the editorial team’s initial conclusions. The goal is to gather input and feedback for a final capstone piece from sections and chapters who contributed and from ESA membership more broadly.

The series brings to life the human dimensions of what we do as ecologists and how we do ecology. Ecology intersects and overlaps with other disciplines when pursuing novel questions, as demonstrated by the Natural History and Agroecology sections. This overlap is required to holistically understand the systems in which we live and work, as the Applied and Human Ecology Sections illustrate. The Latin America and the Caribbean Chapter showcases the importance of recognizing differences in where we live and work and how these differences create both opportunities and challenges.

Ecologists are multifaceted humans, not automatons rotely conducting work, and several sections highlight the importance of the communities in which we grow, develop, and work as professionals. The Student and Early Career sections demonstrate the energy, enthusiasm, and innovation new minds and voices can bring into ESA, as well as the importance of supporting those beginning their ecological careers. The vibrancy and impact that diversity brings to the Society in ways of thinking and conducting this work are exemplified by Black Ecologist, Inclusion, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge Sections.

Ecology should not be a discipline stuck in the stodgy, ivory tower but a field that integrates the various aspects of who we are as professionals and as individuals. Recognizing the human dimensions of ecology is important to fully understanding the discipline and its place in the quickly-changing 21st century. The sections and chapters featured in the Human Dimensions series epitomize the leading edge of an applied, relevant vision for ESA. Our session will highlight their efforts and amplify their voices.