Feedback Task 3
The speakers adopted different perspectives on the changed role of science in society. Can you mention five 'drivers of change' (developments that have contributed to the changed role of science in society)?
- Increased influence of civil society. Individualization.
- Many people involved in science. Science is more present in everyday life.
- Role of media / more and other voices have access to ‘science practice'.
- Uncertainty and complexity of problems: how to communicate about uncertainties? How to deal with diverging perspectives and ‘dissidents'?
- People long for certainty: too high or wrong expectations of science.
- Science is much more visible, which also makes it vulnerable.
Prof Leroy argues that the environmental sciences in particular have been confronted by skepticism and distrust. How can this be explained?
Environmental scientists work at the boundary between science, policy and society; there is political interest in climate change risks; stakes are high; many complexities; many uncertainties.