The moral and political imperatives to bridge the science-society paradox

Science is more relevant to citizens today than ever before, yet the gap between science and society is widening. The emergence of a ‘post-truth’ world [‘objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief’ (Oxford English Dictionary)] is a recent manifestation. This gap threatens the health and well-being of citizens and the future ability of scientists to produce new knowledge to serve society. I will elaborate on points in my editorial ‘Environmental science in a post-truth world’ http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fee.1454/full to suggest ways in which scientists might respond to our current challenges.