How scientists can amplify climate urgency

Scientific institutions must create--and sustain--new kinds of roles so that researchers can provide the deep public engagement necessary to respond effectively to the escalating impacts of #climatechange. The status quo isn't working. My own role as a climate scientist-communicator is highly unusual: I'm a practicing scientist who spends a large fraction (now over half) of my time engaging the public, and the rest of my time actually conducting research. This year, I've given over 200 news interviews & worked with outlets behind the scenes to develop their coverage. I also work with state/federal agencies, brief members of state/national legislatures, and more. Increasingly, all of this requires a high degree of both personal and institutional flexibility: I'm constantly realigning my schedule in response world events, weather/climate disasters, and unpredictable but important requests from all over the world. That makes me quite visible as a public-facing climate scientist--you've probably seen me around! But with that visibility does not necessarily come tangible support from funders & institutions. In fact, my own funding is still on track to potentially run out in 2024. The focus of this Nature World View piece is not intended to be about me! Instead, the goal is to draw attention to a much broader problem: The reality that deep public engagement by domain experts is not really supported *anywhere*--and that desperately needs to change. This is not just a problem in climate, either--it's a much deeper issue not unrelated to the (ongoing) collapse of many journalistic outlets and the general loss of places offering nuanced and meaningfully contextualized discussions on any number of complex issues. Another reality: it's even harder for scientists from marginalized groups. Taking on poorly supported roles that actively invite public scrutiny and can even incite harassment is tall order for those who already face barriers to even more traditional science careers. Ultimately, I'm hoping that using my own rather large megaphone can help draw attention to this challenge. I'm raising it in the context of climate change communication, but I'm really hoping folks see this for the much larger societal challenge that it represents. What can institutions do? Well, the first recommendation sounds boring but would actually be transformational: Find ways to break from institutional inertia & foster culture of "administrative flexibility" that allows for new kinds of roles that blend practice & engagement. Then, yes, it is a question of funding. Universities and funding bodies rapidly need to find ways to tangibly support scientists spending a large fraction of their time engaging with the wider world--and the answer can't continue to be "Well, what about nights and weekends?"

“It is absolutely critical, too, that scientists are in the vanguard. Some are already doing their bit, but far too many remain silent on the greatest ever threat to human civilisation. This has to change.” This is a much-needed call-to-action from Prof Bill McGuire and Roger Hallam, and a timely example of scientists and activists working together to make their voices heard in this critical moment. https://lnkd.in/eYm46V_u We know that producing our research is not enough to bring about the transformative change we so urgently need, because we’ve been doing so our whole careers and it hasn’t bent the curves on climate breakdown, the destruction of nature or our other planetary crises. Why? Because governmental decision-making isn’t driven by evidence – it’s driven by power and influence, and our governance systems have been corrupted by the power of fossil fuel companies, agribusiness, neoliberal fundamentalists opposed to government regulation on principle, and dozens of other industries whose profitability depends on avoiding being held responsible for the social and environmental costs of their activities. In the battle for influence over governmental decision-making, the scientific community comes armed with graphs and data, while the corporate lobbyists and donors working to prevent evidence-based policy bring vast piles of money. It’s no surprise we’re losing. If policy-making is about power, and we don’t build power by publishing papers, how do we become more influential? By building a counter-power of our own – people power – and joining the social movements that are so successfully changing the conversation with their resistance and urgent demands for change. If you’d like to get involved, pleased read this post from Scientists for Extinction Rebellion on how scientists can contribute https://lnkd.in/eSfW-CsQ

Just read this excellent new paper by Guy Pe'er and colleagues on the role of science and scientists in EU environmental policymaking, focusing on the Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) and the Sustainable Use Regulation (SUR). As someone active at the science-policy interface of the EU #GreenDeal, it resonates strongly. The paper dissects how misinformation and short-term political pressures derailed the SUR, while sustained scientific engagement helped secure the NRR. It provides a sharp analysis of claims used against these regulations — on food security, yields, jobs, and energy — and contrasts them with robust scientific evidence. What stands out is the authors’ call for scientists to be proactive, credible, and collaborative in the public arena, especially when evidence is distorted or ignored. The open letter by 6,000 scientists in support of the NRR shows that collective scientific voice can matter. This is more than a case study. It’s a reminder that evidence-based policy needs evidence-based politics, and scientists willing to speak up. (Of course, “evidence-based” doesn’t mean all scientists will always agree. But on many issues, like the urgency of biodiversity restoration or the risks of pesticide overuse, there is strong consensus that deserves more serious political attention. At the very least, democratic politics should take better stock of the best available science.) Highly recommended reading for anyone working on sustainability, #foodsystems, or environmental governance. https://lnkd.in/eB_BeYxs