How to Fight the War on Science and Win
A version of the following piece, written by Jonathan Foley and Christine Arena, first appeared on Jonathon’s Foley’s blog The Macroscope, February 22, 2017.
The latest battle in the War on Science has shifted into high gear.
Attacks on science might sound trivial compared to the larger political upheaval happening in America today, but make no mistake: the War on Science is going to affect you, whether you are a scientist or not.
In fact, it’s going to affect everything — ranging from the safety of the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. It will affect the kinds of diseases we get and the medicines we use. It will dictate what our kids are taught in school, what is discussed in the news, and what is debated in Congress. It will affect the jobs we have, and what powers our economy.
Science touches everything we do, which is why the War on Science is so serious. This is a war that needs to be won. But to win, scientists and science supporters — including those participating in the March for Science in April — need to take a new tack.
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San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge. Photograph and Copyright © 2016, Jonathan Foley[/caption]
To win the “War on Science” this is what we recommend:
Share a bold, inclusive vision.
First, science supporters must articulate a clear choice about the future that all Americans can relate to. Not something abstract, which only scientists care about — like levels of research funding, or pressures on scientists. This needs to be something everyone can appreciate.
Do we want to be the America that embraces science to advance our health, safety, and prosperity, making us the leader of the world?
Or do want America to mimic failed regimes of the past, where knowledge and science were suppressed to benefit a few, or to funnel more profits into dying industries?
Give us a vision of America that embraces science.This is the America that defeated fascism. It won the cold war. It landed on the moon. It cured polio. It is the beacon of knowledge and hope for the world.
We need more Americans to identify with this vision and to believe in it. Only then can we inspire them to advocate for it too.
Engage in political conversations.
Traditionally, scientists have steered clear of the political fray. But if the past months have taught us anything, it’s that science is intimately connected to politics. It always has been. After all, politics is how we are supposed to solve problems in a democratic society, and science is crucial to nearly everything we do — our economy, our health, our security, our future. You cannot isolate science from politics, or politics from science. To try is folly.
That is why scientists shouldn’t shy away from engaging in political conversations. Now more than ever, it is necessary to be in them. We can start by demonstrating the critical role that science plays in people’s lives. What are the tangible benefits of science to society, and why does investing in science benefit us?
Science advocates should also pose important political questions, taking a more direct part in shaping the national discourse. For example, when “skeptics” try to undermine the validity of climate science, let’s explore their underlying motives, rather than simply defending the data.
Of course, scientists should always be professional, prudent, and stick to their areas of expertise. Also, scientists should avoid partisanship. But the discourse of any modern nation depends on science. If scientists don’t lend their expertise to our broader conversations, who will?
Don’t fall into the “Culture War” trap.
The War on Science is partly fueled by deepening divisions over class, education, religion, and urban vs. rural lifestyles. This is all part of the larger Culture War we see in the country today, and its flames are being fanned by politicians and media icons who are trying to divide us.
Don’t fall for it.
To focus on these false divisions is to get bogged down in fights over things like creationism versus evolution, faith versus science, and our different views about our place in the universe.
Rather than magnifying these existential differences, science supporters would be wise to find common ground with people of faith. Scientists have more in common with value-driven communities than most people realize. We all search for meaning, and share a deeply-held fascination with the natural world. In this way, science and religion are allies. Texas Tech professor Katharine Hayhoe is a good example of someone who is bridging these worlds, creating a constructive dialogue.
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Northport, Maine. Copyright © 2016, Jonathan Foley.[/caption]
Watch for the “Merchants of Doubt.”
Much of the War on Science will be subtly fought, casting doubt on well-established ideas. They don’t need to discredit well-founded scientific ideas, like climate change, they just need to create confusion and doubt. This is a well-known tactic, thoroughly documented in the book “Merchants of Doubt.”
At his confirmation hearings, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt showed us the language of this approach. Manmade climate change, he says, is “subject to continuing debate.” Methane is released by fracking, but he’s “not deeply concerned.” And lead poisoning is “not something [he has] looked into.”
This subtle attack on scientific ideas, intended to sow doubt and confusion, has proven to be a reliable method for manipulating public perception, derailing research, censoring data, and stalling political action.
Balance facts with stories.
Facts alone are not enough to win debates, let alone hearts and minds. Research shows that more knowledge can often deepen the divide between people on polarizing issues. “Individuals subconsciously resist factual information that threatens their defining values,” a recent study points out.
On the other hand, stories help build bridges of mutual understanding. They break down barriers and preconceived ideas, promoting empathy, trust, inspiration, and hope.
Not all scientists are great storytellers, but most scientists have great stories to tell. It often helps for people to understand the story behind the science. This can go a long way toward building trust, helping hard facts get through.
Stand up.
Finally, let’s not sugar coat the significance of this war. Powerful interests, with huge profits at stake, have tried to undermine America’s scientists for decades. They’ve intimidated scientists. They’ve ridiculed them. (Occasionally, incited zealots have even threatened to kill them.) They put up so-called “experts” who try to dispute overwhelming evidence, yet offering none of their own, to deliberately sow confusion in the public.
The Merchants of Doubt have an effective strategy, but only if we allow it. It’s time to call this out. The short-term gains of a few corporations must no longer rise above our national interests, our economic competitiveness, and most importantly, our safety, health, and wellbeing.
America has a choice to make. A choice between advancing civilization or bringing it down. Now we must choose which side we are on.
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Image by NASA’s Earth Observatory, “Hovering on the Horizon.” [/caption]
Jonathan Foley (@GlobalEcoGuy) is a world-leading environmental scientist and the executive director of the California Academy of Sciences. These views are his own, and do not reflect those of the Academy or any other organization.
Christine Arena (@christinearena) is an award-winning author, communicator and founder at Generous. She works with brands, foundations, and non-profits to advance pressing social and environmental causes.
