The world is full of difficult problems that have been or can be solved using science. Right now, these solutions go unheard or worse: ignored. The long-growing trend of miscommunication and distrust between scientists and the public means that scientists need to reframe how they participate in public dialogue. Science…
If a person has a good idea, but doesn’t share, does it have an effect? There is a reason that bad ideas with good marketing outsell good ideas with bad marketing. Many people see Steve Jobs as a visionary and Bill Gates as a mobster, but Bill Gates spends billions…
My sister in law has a PhD in Biology. She studied genetics. Whenever my grandfather saw her, he would ask her about plants. Cause, you know – she is a biologist. My grandfather was a chemist. Smart guy. And he still made epic generalizations. Just like when someone finds out “Oh you…
The science says that in order to prevent deaths, and to get things back to normal, short-term, extreme closures are necessary. ***note – post updated 3/31 to reflect new information As we enter a new reality of social distancing, shelter in place, lockdowns, and other Covid-19 countermeasures, we are all…
It’s no joke – Science for Georgia joined AAAS’s Local Science Engagement Network (LSEN) on April 1st. The LSEN is a partnership of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Science for Georgia. LSEN aims to elevate the voice of science and the use of evidence in civic society and policy…
Update Apr 15 with new information on an extended comment period and a link to AAAS resources. Currently there is a new rule under consideration for the EPA called “Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science.” It would require transparency in what studies are used in the formulation of EPA guidelines, rules,…
At Science for Georgia, we believe that we are obligated as humans to name injustice in plain language when we see it. This past week, we have seen a police officer literally crush the life out of George Floyd for nothing more than a bad check. This action has lit…
The EPA is using COVID-19 as an excuse to suspend enforcement of pollution regulations. This is a time of crisis; however, these suspensions are very open ended. There is no statement on when enforcement will begin again (or a requirement to revisit the suspension once a month or every 90…
A mining company has proposed to drill for titanium near the Okefenokee Swamp and National Wildlife Refuge. Wetlands are a vital natural resource. They filter water for drinking and irrigation. They mitigate the effects of extreme weather events, including hurricanes. The drilling permit raises red flags in that is unclear…
It’s pirate month! Argh matey! This past week I went on vacation to Florida. And while we drove by packed crowds at the beach and bars, we also drove through marked “seabird nesting areas” and the fridge in our rental had a magnet about protecting sea turtles. I may not…