Each Week Throughout This Course You Will Explore Bot 834190

Each Week Throughout This Course You Will Explore Both Sides Of An Env

Each week throughout this course, you will explore both sides of an environmental controversy. This week, the focus is on the relationship between science and politics, specifically how political influence affects scientific research and environmental decision-making. The assignment requires reviewing background information, using provided references and your own research, and writing a 1-2 page response to specific questions. Proper APA citations are necessary.

Paper For Above instruction

In contemporary society, the intersection of science and politics remains a contentious issue, especially regarding environmental concerns. While science strives to achieve objective understanding through experiments and evidence-based conclusions, political influences often complicate the application and funding of scientific research. This interplay raises the question of whether scientists should be involved in policymaking, particularly when their research is established and widely accepted, yet ignored or contested by political actors.

Scientists possess specialized knowledge that is critical for informed policy decisions. When environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, or biodiversity loss are backed by robust scientific data, excluding scientists from policy discussions undermines the credibility and effectiveness of environmental policies. The core purpose of science is to provide objective, testable explanations for phenomena, which can then inform policymaking rather than dictate it. Therefore, scientists should have a voice in policy formulation to ensure that decisions are grounded in scientific facts, even if policymakers consider other socio-economic or political factors. Their expertise is essential for understanding the implications of environmental challenges and for evaluating potential solutions based on empirical evidence.

However, the influence of lobbyists and special interest groups complicates this relationship. These groups often exert disproportionate influence on environmental policy and funding, sometimes pushing agendas that serve specific industrial or political interests rather than the environment or public health. As Pielke (2006) discusses, when scientists become politicized or when their findings are manipulated to fit political agendas, it can impede the pursuit of objective solutions. Lobbyists may hinder research funding or distort scientific messages, making it difficult for policymakers and the public to access accurate information. This undue influence acts as a barrier to effective environmental action, diverting attention and resources away from scientifically sound solutions.

Furthermore, the limited number of scientists in legislative bodies — with only 7 out of 535 members of Congress being scientists and 21 healthcare professionals — indicates a significant underrepresentation of scientific expertise in policymaking. This gap underscores the importance of involving scientists directly in environmental decision-making processes to bridge the divide between scientific knowledge and policy action. Engaging scientists can help counteract the distortions caused by lobbying and ensure that responses to environmental crises are based on the best available evidence.

In conclusion, scientists should not be excluded from policy discussions regarding environmental issues. Their expertise is vital for assessing risks, benefits, and long-term consequences of proposed policies. Although political and lobbying influences pose challenges, integrating scientific input into policymaking enhances the legitimacy, transparency, and effectiveness of environmental policies. Recognizing the importance of scientific integrity and promoting greater scientific participation in legislative processes can help mitigate the adverse effects of politicization and foster sustainable solutions to environmental problems.

References

• Lamb, G. (2005, September 27). Science and politics: a dangerous mix. Christian Science Monitor, 11-13. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com
• Pielke Jr., R. (2006). When scientists politicize science. Regulation, 29(1), 28-34. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com
• McNie, E. C. (2007). Reconciling science and policy: Challenges in influencing environmental policy. Environmental Science & Policy, 10(3), 273-285.
• Jasanoff, S. (2005). Designs on Nature: Science and Democracy in Europe and the United States. Princeton University Press.
• Oreskes, N., & Conway, E. M. (2010). Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming. Bloomsbury Publishing.
• Shanahan, T., & Hrudey, S. (2007). Science and Policy: The Role of Scientific Advice in Environmental Decision-Making. Environmental Science & Policy, 10(4), 297-305.
• Beck, U. (1992). Risk Society: Towards a New Modernity. Sage Publications.
• Gibbons, M., Limoges, C., Nowotny, H., Schwartzman, S., Scott, P., & Trow, M. (1994). The New Production of Knowledge: The Dynamics of Science and Research in Contemporary Societies. Sage Publications.
• Beder, S. (2006). Global Spin: The Corporate Attack on Environmental Politics. Chelsea Green Publishing.
• Jasanoff, S. (2011). Freedom’s Mirror: State Science Under Authoritarian Regimes. Social Studies of Science, 41(3), 365-387.