Climate Scientists’ Role in Climate Change Activism

• Climate scientists are grappling with the global climate emergency, with over 2,300 local governments declaring it in over 40 countries.
• The question arises: should scientists continue to make observations and analyze data impartially, or should they engage in advocacy and activism to push for mitigation?
• Ragu Murtugudde, a professor of climate studies at IIT Bombay, suggests that excessive communication and activism around climate science can distract scientists.
• Kartik Ganesan, a researcher at the Council of Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), believes that doing science alone may not be enough for scientists, especially if they are competing against entrenched interests in specific areas.
• Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, believes that climate change research and development should be brought out into the public to understand the impacts of extreme events.
• Chandni Singh, a scientist working on climate change adaptation at the Indian Institute of Human Settlements, believes that everyone has a part to play in addressing the climate change problem based on their choices, interests, and skills.
• Singh suggests that scientists may no longer have the luxury to focus on the research and then take the findings towards action, suggesting that climate change researchers should also be moving into spaces of activism.
Climate Change and Stakeholder Engagement in Science
• Scientists must not just document climate change, but also engage with stakeholders to ensure policy-relevant work is taken seriously.
• Scientists can provide data to groups questioning urban development projects and work directly with the government in other urban planning projects.
• The “myth of the objective scientist” is often misunderstood, with scientists not always being as objective as people believe.
• Scientist-activists are ethical, not cherry-picking data or exaggerating results, but are passionate about their work.
• Scientist-activists should not only promote their own research but also invest in a cause, relying on the community and diversity of voices to drive change.
• Scientist-activists’ activism should be evidence-based, not just commenting on climate change, but also addressing air quality.
• A 360º view of climate science and action is needed to make specific recommendations, considering economic, political, and national security consequences.
• Climate scientists should engage in a careful, well-rounded education of the public rather than communicating or advocating science with the agenda of changing minds or behaviors.
• Climate scientists should ensure their research is known and bridge the gap between science and society by being the first to deal with the data.