Session GDB7

GDB7 | Science and Activism – Compatible or Antithetical?

Science and Activism – Compatible or Antithetical?

Convener: Caspar Hewett | Co-conveners: Gonzalo Olivares Cerpa, Jonathan Dick

Programme

| Thu, 01 May, 16:15–18:00 (CEST)

Room E1

Vimeo: GDB7 – Science and Activism – Compatible or Antithetical?

Many of the challenges of today raise difficult questions about what the role of scientists should be in relation to issues from climate change and Net Zero policies to implementation of nature-based solutions to reduce risk of flooding, drought and diffuse pollution. Scientists working in such areas are understandably passionate about their areas of research and practice and there is a strong temptation to be active in promoting certain policies and action. However, there is a real tension between the need for objectivity as a scientist and pursuing an activist agenda. Is it possible to do both without compromising our integrity as scientists? This debate will explore this tension in conversation between the audience and an expert panel. Come along, hear the arguments and have your say!

All opinions, statements, and questions, either from the panel or the audience, are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Geosciences Union (EGU), our conference organizer Copernicus or the Austria Center Vienna, but have been shared here in the name of supporting open, transparent, and unedited discussion on this topic.

This session will be a highly interactive discussion in which the audience are invited to take full part, making points about the topic and asnwering each other's questions. The speakers will set the scene with their thoughts on the topic but you are free to bring in anything you like to the discussion. So, come along whether you want to just listen to the arguments or you want to join the debate.