Forest Resources Associate Professor Danielle Ignace is one of a select group of scientists behind a first-of-its-kind assessment of the health of nature across the U.S. The report, now named the Nature Record, is open for public comment and peer review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
The groundwork for the report began on Earth Day in 2022, yet its federal funding was cancelled just before the first draft was complete in January 2025. Nevertheless, the participating scientists volunteered their time, knowledge, and energy to build on their initial work and complete the report. With determination, a drive for accessible knowledge, and the help of several foundations, the authors were able to publish it independently.
The Nature Record goes far beyond an ecological assessment by incorporating the role nature plays in every aspect of human life, providing tools for knowledge application, and showcasing stories that spark community involvement. Throughout the report's 15 chapters, the authors emphasize the need to allow nature the ability to recover.
Together with Maureen Kearney, senior research scientist at the Consortium for Science, Policy & Outcomes at Arizona State University, Danielle co-led the report's “Drivers of Change” chapter, which examines how and why Earth system processes and human activities, technologies, and governmental policies drive changes in nature.
“I am most proud of the team of experts we assembled and our holistic approach that highlights positive outcomes in addition to the negative impacts of anthropogenic drivers of change. This includes sustainable stewardship practices of Indigenous communities across different ecosystems," Ignace shared upon reflecting on her experience as a chapter lead. "Looking forward, strategies that focus on core human values can be effective at mitigating negative drivers of change and sustaining the future benefits of nature. In contrast to traditional ecosystem services models, a framework of reciprocal benefit in which human actions support the sustainability of natural systems, and nature’s benefits support future humanity, is a strategic choice with positive outcomes for all.”
The 868-page draft report is receiving national attention for its novelty and importance, including coverage in the New York Times and on MPR News.
Read the full report online: naturerecord.org.