Chapter 8 – Science and decisionmaking

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of the scientific community the important role it plays in public policymaking. Several difficulties impede productive incorporation of science into decision-making. Most scientists lack essential knowledge and experience of decision and policymaking processes at all governmental levels, and therefore do not know to participate effectively in these processes. A holistic scientific viewpoint is necessary to improve decision-making. Methods to understand behavior at the whole-system level, both natural and human dimensions, are required to replace the reductionistic approaches that attempt to solve problems piecemeal. The global extent of environmental problems is a clear signal that piecemeal problem solving does not result in effective decision-making. The challenge rests in developing a transparent process in which scientists and policymakers share information equally about scientific needs, political realities, and economic choices.