3 Reasons Why Science Matters First and Foremost
We at Earth and Leaf are all about the science first and foremost. The perfect definition of the subject that we came across quite recently follows shortly. We have modified it slightly. There is a monumental difference between scientific fact and opinion. Scientific fact is based on data, research, published papers, progress and change. Scientists are prepared to listen, adapt, develop and learn. That is their job.
Here at Earth and Leaf we work with science and data, not personal opinion. We will listen to personal opinion and address it, but that is all it is, opinion. If it is informed opinion that is at least a little better.
The 3 Reasons to Use Science to Combat Climate Change
1 – Using the Latest Science
The latest science is the best proven agreed base from which to start. We can make a plan, set targets and measure progress. As new data becomes available we can flex the plan. Science can change and evolve.
2 – Science will Trump Politics
No pun intended here, no really! In the end it will, but there will be bumps in the road. It is a universal language. Science gives us concensus, the overwhelming majority of accredited scientists are with us.
3 – Science Informs Us
The greenhouse effect was discovered in the 1820s and by the end of the 19th century, a Swedish scientist (Arrhenius) reasoned that human-driven C02 emissions raise the global temperature. Without science, we wouldn’t know why the earth was warming or what to do about it.
Global Warming
Earth and Leaf - Science First and Foremost - Our Examples
Moorland Burning
An evidence review update on the
effects of managed burning on upland
peatland biodiversity, carbon and
water – Science in Action rather than opinion in action.
Natural England have produced a full review of the scientific evidence to restrict or end managed burning.
Download the Natural England Report here
science first and foremost
Methane
Methane is much more potent as a greenhouse gas than Carbon Dioxide. It has 80 times the impact. In the fight against global warming and environmental destruction we must eliminate Methane production. Inevitably this means a global managed reduction in dairy and beef farming.
Methane Emissions Must be Eliminated as a No 1 Priority – read our post
science first and foremost
Nature Decline
It is time to take action on nature decline here in the UK. We are one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. Why?
We have a dense population, intensive modern agriculture and an annoying need for tidiness. Losing her sight at 90, my mum insists I mow her lawn weekly, worrying what the neighbours think.
It is time to take action on nature decline
science first and foremost
Genomics
Genomics is not playing god. It is a fascinating branch of the science of genetics. We now have the tools to replace data and essentially guesswork. I have experienced the power of genomics first hand with Yorkshire Dairy Goats. Phenomenal.
Read how the power of genomics can revolutionise farming and help make it sustainable
science first and foremost
Bottom Trawling
Our oceans are the source of much of our Oxygen and of all life on our world. We use them to dump waste, we ravage them for free food. It is time for a change.
I wrote about this long before Sir David Attenborough gave us “Ocean”.
Bottom Trawling Destroys the Seabed and Must End Now – read our blog post
science first and foremost
Understanding Climate Change
Rapid climate change has happened and continues at pace. In order to combat climate change, if we can, we must educate the public on the science behind the process. Climate change has been around for millennia, but at nowhere near this pace and not allied with man made environmental destruction.
Read our blog post “Understanding climate change – Insights for all”
science first and foremost
Science – a definition
“If you are not a scientist and you disagree with scientists about science, it is actually not a disagreement. You are just wrong. Science is not the truth. Science is about finding the truth. When scientists change or adjust their conclusion, they didn’t lie to you, they simply learned more.”
Ignoring the Science
There are common examples of this all over the place. Governments, our government, are very good at it. Examples are: issuing new oil drilling licences, badger culling, allowing moorland heather burning and approving dangerous pesticides like Neonicotinoids for agricultural use.
We must put the science first and foremost in everything we do to prevent climate change and promote sustainability. We dont have much time left.
“If people don’t have an understanding of what science is and what scientists do, then they can tend to think that global warming, for example, is just a matter of opinion.”
“Climate change: Don’t undermine the science just because you don’t like the economics.”
“Real scientists are delighted when they find out they are wrong. And to me that is one of the greatest gifts that a scientific education can bring. There are too many people in this world who want to be right. And too few who just want to know.”
Brian Cox