Engaging Scientists in Policy Making around the Geosciences: The Case of the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Science Network

Abstract:

Engaging scientists in the policy-making process around climate change and other earth science issues has many benefits for scientists, for policy outcomes, and for the strength of our democracy. Scientists can hone communication skills, find policy-oriented outlets for their research, and gain recognition for their contributions. Science-based policy decisions are enhanced when they are better informed by experts who can speak to the relevant technical issues. However, institutional barriers and other challenges limit the ability of scientists to inform policy in these areas. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) hosts a network of over 17,000 scientists and other technical experts. Through the UCS Science Network, experts are provided with tools, resources, and opportunities for applying their work for decision making. Many of these resources, including skill-building webinars, opportunities to influence policy decisions, and networking opportunities, are designed to address the barriers scientists face around involvement in policy making. For example, a recent webinar on how to communicate research when scientific uncertainty is involved sought to provide scientists, particularly those working in climate science, with ways to overcome this science communication challenge. In another case, Science Network members helped review UCS climate impacts assessments and also participated in press tours, interviewed with local media sources, and met with decision makers. Such scientist participation enabled stronger communication to the public through the use of local and more trusted experts and ensured science was central to public discourse on resilience and mitigation of climate change impacts. These efforts have brought to light successes and challenges with respect to engaging scientists in policy decision-making processes and offer lessons and best practices for advancing the role that scientists can play in science policy around the geosciences.