Abstract
Summary 1. Horizon scanning is an essential tool for environmental
scientists if they are to contribute to the evidence base for Government,
its agencies and other decision makers to devise and implement environmental
policies. The implication of not foreseeing issues that are foreseeable
is illustrated by the contentious responses to genetically modified
herbicide-tolerant crops in the UK, and by challenges surrounding
biofuels, foot and mouth disease, avian influenza and climate change.
2. A total of 35 representatives from organizations involved in environmental
policy, academia, scientific journalism and horizon scanning were
asked to use wide consultation to identify the future novel or step
changes in threats to, and opportunities for, biodiversity that might
arise in the UK up to 2050, but that had not been important in the
recent past. At least 452 people were consulted. 3. Cases for 195
submitted issues were distributed to all participants for comments
and additions. All issues were scored (probability, hazard, novelty
and overall score) prior to a 2-day workshop. Shortlisting to 41
issues and then the final 25 issues, together with refinement of
these issues, took place at the workshop during another two rounds
of discussion and scoring. 4. We provide summaries of the 25 shortlisted
issues and outline the research needs. 5. We suggest that horizon
scanning incorporating wide consultation with providers and users
of environmental science is used by environmental policy makers and
researchers. This can be used to identify gaps in knowledge and policy,
and to identify future key issues for biodiversity, including those
arising from outside the domains of ecology and biodiversity. 6.
Synthesis and applications. Horizon scanning can be used by environmental
policy makers and researchers to identify gaps in knowledge and policy.
Drawing on the experience, expertise and research of policy advisors,
academics and journalists, this exercise helps set the agenda for
policy, practice and research.
Users
Please
log in to take part in the discussion (add own reviews or comments).