Paul+Ehrlich

=Paul R. Ehrlich (1932- ) =

American Professor and Biologist
Currently, Professor Ehrlich heads the Center for Conservation Biology at Stanford University. As a researcher, he has published numerous articles, studies, and books on ecology and population. Even as he faces some of the greatest threats on Earth today, he retains a remarkable sense of humor.

Achievements

Ehrlich's book //The Population Bomb// (1968) launched his rise to fame from obscure entomologist to prominent environmental advocate. The book itself critically presented a catastrophic picture of the Earth being overpopulated and further predictions of how the planet, by the 21st century, will be drained beyond its limits. For example there would be a shortage of food if the birth rate kept on growing as it is currently and the death rate does not increase. As a controversial best-seller, the book multiplied, crossed oceans and was translated into many languages. Now, it still lingers in many people's minds, as doubts and concerns about the population pervade in the global spotlight and the inner sanctums of individuals. [1] Although the predictions given by Ehrlich in the book never manifested completely in the 2000's as stated, the book still retains worth, for there exists the possibility that the global community heeded the book's and other's warnings and managed to stave off the predicted population catastrophe. [2] In that perspective, //The Population Bomb//, although not a perfect book with many inaccuracies and predictions, still holds high merit in the world of environmental studies.

Ehrlich received his most prestigious award, the Crafoord Prize, in 1990. The Swedish Crafoord Prize plays a supplemental role to the Nobel Prize (also Swedish), awarding researchers and scholars in fields that are not considered by the Nobel Foundation, particularly ecology. Ehrlich's studies on his favorite research pets, the Euphydryas edithae, a species of butterfly primarily in the high altitude of the Rocky Mountain profoundly impacted the mindset of preservationists. He proved that genetic and ecological factors affected the species' survival rate in the area, showing the importance of genetic variation. Strongly influenced by Ehrlich's study, biologists now talk about preserving biodiversity as not just protecting species but also genetic variation. [3]

In his present position as the President of the Center for Conservation Biology and the Bing Professor of Population Studies at Stanford University, Ehrlich continues his legacy through teaching and research. He leads a special research group geared towards ecological issues. The group primarily focuses on biodiversity and population with interests ranging from making human-disturbed lands more suited towards biodiversity to legislative actions regarding endangered species and genetic resources. One of Professor Ehrlich's private interest include a "cultural evolution" where human behavior appreciates environmental ethics. To this present day, Ehrlich continues to strive for promote a more ecologically friendly frame of mind. [4]

Significance to APES

Overall, his ecological contributions correlates to present day environmental thinking. Due partly to his voice on overpopulation, we as a class now study the profound effects of population growth and how it translates to environmental and economical problems. Also, his butterfly studies also influences our study on biodiversity and how it is a necessary component to a healthy environment. As such, Ehrlich has taken a tremendous part in constructing the foundation in population and biodiversity. Now, our APES class can analyze the foundation and eventually add our own bricks to the building.



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