I think it’s important that scientists effectively communicate their findings with stakeholders because without the support of regular citizens, industries, and policymakers, no significant action can be taken. In the case of climate change and other environmental concerns, there needs to be a widespread effort to make a positive change or counteract negative impacts. Ordinary people may need to be convinced of the existence of environmental risks or perhaps just shown that the things they do make an impact. This is the concept of efficacy that Robyn Wilson spoke about in regards to agricultural workers. People may understand the risks and be open to making changes, but may not believe that the actions they take will matter. Clearly communicating the most significant changes they can make as individuals and explaining the difference they specifically will make would motivate people to act. As for industries, a comment in the second video was made regarding electric companies being concerned about the effect of climate change on the number of snow storms. Pinpointing these concerns and tailoring their messages around the potential profits that could be lost in these situations is an excellent way for scientists to motivate large companies, some of the biggest producers of pollution, to reduce their impact. Reaching the government is important because changes in policy based on scientific findings can be the most effective tool to make a change. This can be done by communicating with policymakers directly, or by targeting the two aforementioned groups, who will then elect representatives based on their willingness to shape policy to their environmental concerns and lobby to get environmental protection legislature passed respectively.
An issue that I am passionate about is quality and accessible public education. In regards to hard science, there aren’t a lot of applications that I can think of other than the push for later school start times for teenagers based on the research into the ability of different age groups to learn at different times of the day based on their brains’ melatonin production. As for behavioral and social sciences, there are many ways I know of that they could make a difference. By showing the economic benefits, including a more qualified labor market and increased innovation throughout the country, and societal benefits, like reduced crime rates, of a better and more equal education system, companies will be more motivated to donate to public schools and the government may prioritize the restructuring of curriculum and funding for the educational system.
Regarding the lawsuit with the EPA, I think Dr. Wilson’s approach could make a change. Being unafraid to put her position with the agency at risk gives her more leverage and a platform to bring criticism upon the EPA for their new policy. Fighting back with a lawsuit is a good way to stop their actions, as they already seem hesitant to go forward with firing anyone after her retaliation.