• Question: How much say does the scientific community have in global affairs; after all they are the ones coming up with most of the answers to the world's problems?

    Asked by ogoldfinch09 to Asif, Laura, Lena, Sean on 21 Mar 2012.
    • Photo: Sean Murphy

      Sean Murphy answered on 21 Mar 2012:

      Not as much as I would like. Often scientists are asked to give expert opinions and write reports suggesting how to fix certain problems, however, once they get into the hands of politicians, the issues and solutions are often distorted for political gain. I wish politicians would pay more attention to what scientists say on global affairs.

    • Photo: Lena Ciric

      Lena Ciric answered on 21 Mar 2012:

      Great question.
      I agree with Sean. Although, scientists are often on advisory panels, their advice is not always taken despite the evidence they present. Unfortunately, this is how politics works… There are many agendas in politics. Scientists advice about climate change is an obvious example of this.

    • Photo: Laura Waters

      Laura Waters answered on 21 Mar 2012:

      I have tried to get involved with government in the past but found it very tough unless you know the right people. I also wish they would listen to us scientists more.

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