Association Of Ecosystem Research Centers
2022 Annual Meeting
September 14 - 15, 2022
In Person / Virtual Platform - Zoom
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Schedule of Events
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September 14, 2022
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3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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Annual AERC Meeting
FIU in Washington DC or via Zoom 601 New Jersey Ave NW Washington DC, 20001 |
September 15, 2022
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9:00 am - 11:00 am
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Congressional Briefing: Role of Horizon Scanning in Ecosystem Research
Location Rayburn 2325 and via Zoom Horizon scanning is a tool for assessing potential threats and opportunities and is used extensively in many sectors including energy, defense, and medicine. Use of horizon scanning in environmental fields is gaining traction to explore both predicted and unexpected futures. Horizon scanning can help prioritize personnel and infrastructure investments to enable an organization to effectively deploy resources to address both known and unknown threats. The process of horizon scanning involves cataloguing potential threats, filtering information and prioritizing based on level of risk, and disseminating information to appropriate authorities. Early warning systems are threat-specific tools for collecting data, assessing trends and evaluating risk, and initiating communication to appropriate authorities. The Association of Ecosystem Research Centers will conduct a briefing on the application of horizon scanning for ecosystem management. The brief will provide an overview of the process followed by two case studies highlighting forest ecosystems and the Laurentian Great Lakes. Briefing Speakers: Dr. Johnathan Kolby Research Scientist, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Talk title: "The Value of Horizon Scanning as a Strategic Tool in Environmental Planning" Dr. Dave Bengston Environmental Futurist, Strategic Foresight Group, USDA Forest Service Talk Title: "The Application of Horizon Scanning for Emerging Issues in Forest Management" Dr. Lucinda Johnson Director of Research, Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI), University of Minnesota Duluth Talk Title: “A Framework for an Early Warning System for the Laurentian Great Lakes" |