Source: SciJinks
Why is science important to society? Do you know why science should be incorporated into policy making decisions in Washington D.C.? Maybe you are of the opinion that science plays no role in politics at all? Contrary to those who believe that science plays no role in society are the majority who understand that science and society are intertwined. One would not exist without the other.
As we approach election day next week - November 6th - issues surrounding science should figure prominently in your decision on a given candidate (in a given state). The employees of the non-profit organization 'Science Debate' along with most scientists believe that an elected official's position on science should figure into your decision to back them. According to a press release last year, elected officials should have been given a questionnaire which asks questions surrounding science and their stance on these issues:
Science Debate Invites All 2018 House, Senate and GubernatorialCandidates to Address Science and Technology on the Campaign TrailNEW YORK—Science Debate today called for all House, Senate and Gubernatorial candidates running for office in all parties to respond to 10 questions related to the greatest science policy challenges facing America. Topics cover a wide range of issues from scientific integrity in policymaking to cyber security to health, medicine, and the environment.“Unless we insist that candidates address science and technology policy when campaigning, we cannot expect them to do so once they’re in office,” said Matthew Chapman, president of Science Debate. “Since January, this administration has repeatedly ignored scientific consensus on a wide range of topics.”Since Science Debate was founded in 2008, every major presidential candidate has answered a series of questions on science policy, including President Donald Trump prior to the 2016 election.“My administration will ensure that there will be total transparency and accountability [regarding science] without political bias,” Trump responded to a question on scientific integrity. “The American people deserve this and I will make sure this is the culture of my administration.” This marks the first time that Science Debate is inviting all Senate, House, and Gubernatorial candidates to participate.“Science is inherently related to every significant challenge of the 21st century and vital in policy making,” said Sheril Kirshenbaum, executive director of Science Debate. “We are opening questions to more candidates across levels of government because every incoming politician should be prepared to address issues crucial to voters, our children and the future of our planet.”Visit www.sciencedebate.org to read the 10 questions and get involved.
The employees (founders included) of Science Debate are concerned citizens who work in a range of fields from science to film to law including marketing. Which covers a large range of the spectrum. I love the simple statement made by journalist Matthew Chapman (now President of Science Debate):
"Unless we insist that candidates address science and technology policy when campaigning, we cannot expect them to do so once they're in office,"
Which is why it is important to serve as a science ambassador and hold each politician to answering the following questions posed below. What are their views? How are they going to help each person through supporting science? The best answer given occurs on the campaign trail as Matthew Chapman stated above.
In a blog post two years ago, I posted the questions and answers which were given to all of the 2016 Presidential Candidates - which can be read here. Now, with the changing political climate, more than ever science is in need to retain - or - regaining a place at the national level - in Washington D.C. Naturally about now you may be wondering what do these questions cover? Or you may have an idea of some of the issues encompassed in the questionnaire. Without further prolonging your interest, the questions are:
2018 Q&A for House, Senate and Gubernatorial CandidatesCandidates: Please send responses to answers@sciencedebate.org in a word document with your name, state and seat you are running for in the subject line.INNOVATION. Science and technology have been responsible for half the growth of the U.S. economy since World War II. What role, if any, should government play in stimulating innovative science and technology so we continue to benefit from them?CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY. What are your views on climate change and how would they affect your energy policies if at all?CYBER SECURITY. What will you do to protect America from cyber attacks while also protecting personal privacy?MENTAL HEALTH. PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, depression, anxiety, drug addiction, and suicide affect millions of Americans with cost of care and lost productivity greater than $400 billion a year. What mental health policies will you support if you are elected?EDUCATION. In an age dominated by complex science and technology, how can we ensure that students receive adequate STEM education?WATER. The long-term security of water supplies is threatened by aging infrastructure, pollution, climate variability and a growing population. What should government do to ensure access to clean water?FOOD. How would you manage American agriculture so it provides healthy and affordable food grown in a just and sustainable way?SPACE. What should America’s goals be for space exploration and earth observation and what steps would you take to achieve them?OCEANS. Large areas of our oceans are polluted, acidification is damaging coral reefs and other habitats, and overfishing could wipe out certain species and diminish this vital source of food. What will you do to improve ocean health?SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY. Politicians are disputing settled science and firing government scientists for political reasons. How will you foster a culture that respects scientific evidence and protects scientists?Share any science policy issues involving medicine, national security, environment,education, the economy or other pressing issues that impact your state/district that you would like to expand on.
Send these questions to your local politicians immediately. I understand that the time has vanished and we are at the end of the campaign cycle. There is still a weekend left for you to inquire into your local politicians viewpoints on these issues. At the very least, the issues highlighted above weigh heavily on scientists minds across the globe. Educate yourself as much as possible on the viewpoints of politicians in your region. That way, the vote is informed as much as possible. Last but not least, spread the word to others around you. Have a great weekend.
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