MEDIA AND THE CONNECTION AMONG SCIENTISTS, CITIZENS, AND POLICYMAKERS

The world needs all facets of science, now more than ever. In policymaking, where decisions are required that no doubt will affect the country and the globe, consideration of science is seriously lacking. Too many lawmakers at all levels either fail to listen to science advisors or recognize that speaking in scientific facts may adversely affect their chances in future elections. Staff members may rewrite science reports to fit specific agendas, while scientists in general often go unheard. The current situation reflects a growing level of scientific illiteracy by the general citizenry. Voters rely too little on science when evaluating and deciding the fate of issues that have become political in character. If this serious problem is addressed, politicians will have a much more scientifically interested political base to serve and work for. It is up to scientists to get the word out on new findings and technology, and the media must be better utilized to do so. America’s “4^th Estate” is a powerful mechanism used by anti-science groups (e.g. global warming deniers and creation “science”/intelligent design advocates) to successfully spread their agendas by putting a check on the other three governmental branches. Scientists are a rational bunch; it is uncharacteristic to allow such irrational use of media, especially when scientists, who operate on the basis of wisdom and reason, have the same access to it as those who spread fiction as truth. Important global issues, such as global warming, the transition to a carbon-neutral world, geoengineering, mineral exploration and extraction, space exploration, and more must be deliberated logically and scientifically, over the necessary time periods, rather than political cycles of some 2.5 years (or less). These discussions cannot only happen within the confines of ivory towers, but openly and in plain view of the general public who ultimately make choices with their ballots. Every fall, the Geosciences Congressional Visits Day is a chance to connect more closely with legislators and their staff. This is one of several opportunities for geoscientists to better understand what we as scientists can do to promote the making of sound, long-term decisions that must have a positive effect on the nation and the world, before humankind is faced with a monumental global crisis.