Scientific communication is vital to an informed society. Without effective communication on the part scientists and researchers, citizens, industries, governments, and societies overall cannot benefit from those research and scientific endeavors. What good are answers if they cannot be shared for the benefit of all? Often, there is a gap between what the general public knows and understands and what is agreed upon in certain scientific communities, such as with the issue of climate change. Despite the fact that 97% of climate scientists, and the majority of the scientific community overall, agree that climate change is real, the lack of clear communication of that knowledge with the public has presented challenges. This is related both to specified jargon being used when trying to convey information as well as a lack of education and understanding the nature of scientific statements and declarations.
An issue that I’m passionate is the valuation of arts and humanities (I believe the arts and humanities to be a vital part of a vibrant, growing, and developing society). Science is a tool that can be used to measure the effects of supporting and/or defunding artistic endeavors (i.e. What happens to GDP or GNH when arts are supported? What happens to the crime rate? How are our lives affected by the arts and humanities?). The scientific process gathers information that can be applied in the form of policies and action plans; it gives us an inventory of what we have so we can decide how to utilize those resources. Through research and scientific inquiry, we can decide how to best foster a creative and inspired society, perhaps with the support of arts and humanities.
I do believe that Dr. Wilson’s approach or filing a lawsuit will be impactful; the courts have been a longstanding avenue for individuals and smaller groups to make change. In the eyes of the law, everyone should have a voice. Dr. Wilson has a strong foundation for her argument, and the voice of the few should not be discounted.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead