SCIENCE AND POLICY-MAKING

A policy for a particular area of society provides a framework for act ion based on factual information and value judgements. The knowledge b ase derived from scientific understanding is one important component i n this context. It is essential for scientists to recognize and commun icate clearly, and as objectively as possible, the limitations of the information provided. In this way a truly broad spectrum of scientists in the field will be represented and a mutual and respectful relation between scientists and decision makers can develop. The scientist ser ving in a position of science advisor must acquire insight into other aspects of the problem under consideration in order to provide the dec ision maker with the most essential information. He/she must recognize , not necessarily accept, political or other constraints under which a decision maker is acting. At the international level, it is necessary to understand the different value systems that prevail in different c ultures and which markedly influence the views that are being. These i ssues are discussed in the context of the political response to advanc es in our scientific understanding of climate change.