Scientists have always shown trepidation about involving themselves in political debates. The politicization of science is a very real concern and goes a long way towards undermining the credibility of the scientific community as a whole. On the other hand, good environmental policy is dependent on the best available science. Without active participation by the scientific community, environmental policy debates would be uninformed and would ultimately provide inadequate solutions to today’s most pressing environmental issues. Therefore, it is essential that we increase the visibility of environmental policy debates within the scientific community while also avoiding direct politicization of the scientific process.

Results/Conclusions

This talk will look at three of today’s most important environmental issues – (1)climate change and the spread of disease, (2)pollinator health and pesticides, and (3)Canadian tar sands development and migratory birds – and the role the scientific community must play in each in order to develop effective solutions.