Green Group discussion

I completely agree too, I'm an ecologist and environmental consultant in South Wales, UK, and we frequently have to advice and monitoring invasive species. However I can't say that the supposed increase in species diversity has ever been the widespread a myth over here. Generally people are quite aware that non native species are a real problem, partly due to the plight of the Red Squirrel whose population has plummeted over the past few years due to the arrival of the Grey Squirrel. This has been a very well publicised and widespread issue and as it involves a cute furry animal the general public really took it on board and so understand the issues with non native species very well.

As Ann points out we as environmental workers need to educate people about the issues with non natives and I must say on of the easiest and most effective is to use an example everyone likes, such as the Red Squirrel here in the UK.

I think part of it is the receptiveness (not sure if that's a word) of the audience too. I can imagine in some cases no matter what you say or how well you say it some people will just refuse to listen and believe what is said.

Don't know how you'd overcome such a problem, especially with environmental issues.