See <www.realclimate.org>. Jane
On Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 1:51 PM, Tom Cuba <[email protected]> wrote: > Maiken writes: "the debate so intense, the answers so contradictory,...." I > would say the first results are in - there is no consensus. Not on the > problem and not on what to do about it. > > > Maiken Winter wrote: >> >> I owe you all a short explanation - I developed the survey I posted >> yesterday >> (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=S2Q7Cyxa8xmJSiRNn_2b8Opw_3d_3d) >> not for a scientific study but to get a quick overview over the thoughts >> of scientists about their role in climate action. I plan to use the >> results to write a commentary ona blog, the Clean Energy Project >> (www.cleanenergy-project.de). Obviously, the survey is not perfect at all; >> but it does give interesting results so far. >> >> As it turns out, the responses are so many, the debate so intense, the >> answers so contradictory, that I do want to improve this survey and repeat >> it professionally to be able to have a more scientific debate on an issue >> that is - in my opinion - of major importance. >> >> Basically, I believe it is high time what we seriously rethink and debate >> our role as scientists in society, and about the prioritization of our >> work. Is it true that scientists have no more responsibility to act than >> any other citizen - as some people commented? But isn't it also true that >> we are privileged to be educated and wealthy enough to have the means and >> freedom to think through the scientific evidence, and to understand what >> that evidence truly means? >> >> If we, as scientists, feel that we understand science better than other >> people, isn't it our uttermost responsibility to pass on this knowledge >> and understanding on to others? Not only to other scientists, but also to >> the public and politicians as well. "Science is not politics, and >> scientists should stay away from politics", one scientist commented. But >> relying on politicians and media to interpret our data got us in the >> trouble we are in today. >> >> I hope this survey stimulates further discussion (but please more >> friendly; I love debate, but only when it is based on mutual respect) and >> helps us to step a bit further out of our science glasshouse to take >> responsibility for what we all work for - a deeper understanding of nature >> so that future generations can admire and witness what we discover. Many >> of those discoveries will be useless if we do not act quickly on climate >> change together. >> >> Please do know that I am well aware of the danger to lose credibility when >> getting active in public affairs, and that I absolutely do not pretend to >> know the solution of how to best balance both sides. But I do believe that >> at the moment we are not courageous enough to try out how to best stand on >> that rope, and that our priorities at the moment are often too selfish and >> short-sighted, myself included. >> >> Thank you to all those who have participated in the survey so far! And >> thanks for those who will. >> >> Maiken Winter >> >> >> > > -- > Thomas R. Cuba, Ph.D., CEP, CLM > President, Delta Seven Inc. > http://www.delta-seven.com > 727-823-2443 > -- ------------- Jane Shevtsov Ecology Ph.D. student, University of Georgia co-founder, <a href="http://www.worldbeyondborders.org";>World Beyond Borders</a> Check out my blog, <a href="http://perceivingwholes.blogspot.com";>Perceiving Wholes</a> "Political power comes out of the look in people's eyes." --Kim Stanley Robinson, _Blue Mars_
