The Ecosystem Literacy Initiative is essential here and now because:

• Human actions are resulting in unprecedented changes to the Earth's ecosystems.
• Addressing these changes requires an understanding of how ecosystems function and why they are important to society.
• An ecosystem perspective is essential for making informed decisions that balance the tradeoffs that we face, and that consider the long-term consequences of our actions.
• Due to their inherent complexity, ecosystems present a challenge for education and outreach.
• We are one of the leading centers for unbiased understanding of ecosystems.
• We have the power, opportunity and resolve to lead the field of ecosystem education.
• By bringing together scientists, educators, and learners in a coordinated initiative, we can achieve the mission.