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Public Health, Science, And Policy Debate: Being Right Is Not Enough

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Critique #2: Public Health, Science, and Policy Debate: Being Right Is Not Enough Olawale Akinbobola The University of Memphis School of Public Health PUBH 7180 – Fall 2017 We live at a time of unprecedented scientific and technological progress and yet there is widespread confusion and concern about the impacts of scientific and technological advances on human health and the environment. Evidence from science is the surest basis for fair and just democratic public policy. However, an increasing number of Americans do not trust science as a basis for public policy if anything. Concerns about growing distrust in science have led to fear in the science community. Political policy debates are now driven by emotion, ideology rather …show more content…

The results of mistrust have led to skepticism which in return empowered scientific populism. These issues ranging from vaccines causing autism to the reality of climate change. Living in a country that does not trust science is a huge threat to the climate, as denying climate change will not make it any less real. Despite considerable evidence that climate change exists and is caused by humans, a climate change denier was elected as President, and his policies will have an effect lasting for generations. Ignoring other scientific proof will cause an abundance of challenges, and many issues could be resolved using science …show more content…

It begins with better communication relayed with facts and decision-making empowerment that involves the public as participants not as spectators. Rebuilding trust in science will require more than changes in rules or policy. It will rest on the manner in which our public health officials and experts communicate and educate the public rather than leaving them at the mercy of the misinformed activists with commercial interests or the fickle press. Successful communication depends their willingness to embrace fairness, openness, accountability, cooperation, competence and honesty. Lack of trust in science is a far more serious problem than most politicians believe, one that cannot be resolved easily. The solution can only come from a patient, long-term effort to return to our fundamental values and

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