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2003 : WHAT ARE THE PRESSING SCIENTIFIC ISSUES FOR THE NATION AND THE WORLD, AND WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE ON HOW I CAN BEGIN TO DEAL WITH THEM? - GWB [1]

In the News [ 5 ] [2]
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Contributors [ 94 ] [3]   |   View All Responses [ 93 ] [4]

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[6]
Stuart Pimm [6]
Doris Duke Chair of Conservation Ecology, Duke University; Author, The World According to Pimm: a Scientist Audits the Earth
Doris Duke Chair of Conservation Ecology Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Science Duke University

I've given much thought to present adminstration's policy on science particularly on evironmental issues (very broadly defined), but also on related areas (such as energy policy), and have even been involved in some of the issues involving terrorist threats (diseases of people and agricultural resources). I have yet to see an area where science has informed any of this present administration's policies. Despite much hand waving about "sound science" I have no confidence that a science advisor would have any useful impact whatsoever. 

I think I'll give this position a pass, not so much out of spite, but because I think there are many better platforms from which to ensure that science effects good policy at the international, national, and state levels.

Stuart L. Pimm
Doris Duke Chair of Conservation Ecology
Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Science
Duke University
Author of The World According to Pimm: A Scientist Audits the Earth

Links:
[1] http://www.edge.org/annual-question/what-are-the-pressing-scientific-issues-for-the-nation-and-the-world-and-what-is-your-advice-on-how
[2] http://www.edge.org/inthenews/what-are-the-pressing-scientific-issues-for-the-nation-and-the-world-and-what-is-your-advice-on-how
[3] http://www.edge.org/contributors/what-are-the-pressing-scientific-issues-for-the-nation-and-the-world-and-what-is-your-advice-on-how
[4] http://www.edge.org/responses/what-are-the-pressing-scientific-issues-for-the-nation-and-the-world-and-what-is-your-advice-on-how
[5] http://www.edge.org/print/response-detail/11502
[6] http://www.edge.org/memberbio/stuart_pimm