How to avoid train wrecks when using science in environmental problem solving

Interdisciplinary collaborations are increasingly common in many areas of science, but particularly in fields involved with environmental problems. This is because problems related to human interactions with the environment typically contain numerous parameters, reflect extensive human alterations of ecosystems, require understanding of physical–biological interactions at multiple spatial and temporal scales, and involve economic and social capital. Distilling useful scientific information in collaborative interactions is a challenge, as is the transfer of this information to others, including scientists, stakeholders, resource managers, policymakers, and the public. While this problem has been recognized by historians and philosophers of science, it has rarely been recognized and openly discussed by scientists themselves (but see NAS 1986).