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Fantastic talk by David Wagner at UK Moth Recorders Meeting. What struck me was that our data sets only go back a few decades. In that sense are we just witnessing the death throws of species that have been in long-term decline? What does this recent data really tell us? #UKMRM
I've been giving this some more thought. I am not saying that data doesn't matter or that it is not needed. More I am seeking to explore what drives behavioural change in humans. Are we fact processing machines? Do we respond to data or do we respond to stories?
This links to the great work done by the Common Cause for Nature project (see here: https://publicinterest.org.uk/new-report-common-cause-for-nature/). Do we need to keep focusing on gathering data to back up our claims? Does it make a difference? Or do we need to focus on campaigns and emotive messaging to bring change.
This type of debate was eloquently laid out by @GeorgeMonbiot & @TonyJuniper at @networks4nature in 2015. I cannot find the video of it but it is written up here by Michael McCarthy: https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/it-possible-put-price-nature-and-if-we-can-should-we-a6736821.html
It's about natural capital but links to what I am talking about.
It's about natural capital but links to what I am talking about.
I have also been thinking about the question of do we need more data? We can already easily demonstrate the destruction we have done to the planet. It is there in the history books, the habitats lost and species gone. It is fact. We can tell the story of loss already.
And what does this data tell us? Does it represent the truth? Are our habitats and species populations not now so degraded that we are monitoring the scraps left? Our ecosystems have not been functioning properly for hundreds of years.
I am not sure I am properly explaining myself. I am interested in what others think. Particularly those involved in data gathering and analysis, plus campaigners and those seeking to deliver conservation. Do you want more data? Why? Do you think we need it?
