Jacob W. Dearing
Dec. 16th, 2015
Critical Abstract #15
Article author: Libby Robin
Article title: Radical Ecology and Conservation Science
There are many positions that can be taken in the debates of environmental conditions. There is the cultural or sociological argument as we attempt to express concerns for the dominating influence comprised by human value over characteristics of the environment that can’t be commoditized. There is also, similarly, value of resources that influence economic, and in turn, social conditions that can be used to either contribute to conservation or argue against such practices. Finally there is, the focus of Libby Robins article, the scientific and ecological realm of the debate and the one that is beginning to lose volume. Robin’s article shows the chronological growth of the science of Ecology in Australia from the 1940s through the 1990s as it transformed from a sub-discipline and a “young mans science” to a major factor in ecological debates.
The reason Robin’s article is so effective is its elements of nationalism and the role that this national mentality plays in decision making over resource management. Great pride is placed in the development of a nation and so projects that promote this development, hydroelectric dams, will receive support with little scrutiny. Due to the support of A.B. Costin’s opposition to certain aspects of a national developmental project, participation by citizens increased in the debates. While this was beneficial to the reputation of ecology it has also lead, over time, to the debate being centralized around users and protectors instead of scientific analysis. This information is important to my project as forest management is sculpted by the same debatable positions found in this case.