An ecology fit for a crisis

We live in a time of ecological crisis, with natural systems widely depauperated, biodiversity indicators in ongoing decline, and concerns that environmental tipping points are being approached or crossed. Given the scale of these challenges and the limited resource brought to bear on addressing them, it seems reasonable to argue that in response the discipline of ecology and its research community be put on something more akin to an emergency footing. Multiple arguments have been made for why ecology should not become mission-oriented. None seems compelling. Rather, in addition to improved planetary outcomes, there is an array of potential benefits, particularly if institutions, funders, and other ecological community actors support researchers as they shift research priorities to more mission-relevant avenues.