Ecology as a field is currently guilty of gross malpractice in the way we are handling COVID modelling. These papers cost lives. Not speaking out, or doubling down on the claims, is a professional fault. https://twitter.com/wormmaps/status/1276215391166042119

A few months ago we submitted a paper to @Trends_Ecol_Evo asking ecologists to not get involved, because the results would be bad. This paper was rejected with a questionable review and editorial comment, but sadly we were absolutely spot on, both on methods and consequences.

What should be concerning to us, as ecologists, is that there is no reason we are behaving any better when working on our own topic. Models have consequences. Our complete lack of respect for quantitative techniques is going to destroy the reputation of our field.

And we deserve it. This won't be fixed by "more natural history". This will be solved by learning data analysis properly OR stepping the fuck away from the computer. We can't get away with "people are trying their best" anymore because this shit doesn't qualify as "trying".