SOME scientists, including James Hansen, Gail Whiteman, Phillip Williamson, Peter Kalmus and Michael Mann, have taken part in climate protests or acts of civil disobedience to advocate for urgent action on climate change. They have shown that many in the scientific community feel a moral obligation to engage in activism for climate action.
For example, Hansen, a former National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) climate scientist, was arrested in 2011 during a protest against a coal export terminal. Whiteman was part of the Extinction Rebellion protests in London in 2019. Williamson, an expert in ocean biogeochemistry, was arrested during an Extinction Rebellion protest in London the same year. Kalmus, a NASA climate scientist, was arrested during a protest in Los Angeles in April 2022. And while Mann has not been arrested, he has participated in protests and actively supports civil disobedience actions.
These scientists, along with many others, are using various means, including civil disobedience, to emphasize the urgent need for action on climate change. Their actions highlight the intersection between science and activism, bridging the gap between scientific research and advocacy for climate action.
Public trust in climate scientists and climate science is a complex and evolving issue that varies by region, demographic factors and public discourse. However, with increasing awareness of climate change and its impacts, events like extreme weather patterns, wildfires, hurricanes and melting ice caps have brought climate issues to the forefront of public concern.
Research and surveys indicate that the majority of people in many countries trust scientific organizations and climate scientists. Recent surveys conducted by the Pew Research Center have found that a significant portion of the public recognizes climate change as a serious threat and trusts climate scientists to accurately communicate the associated risks.
Despite a general increase in trust, the spread of misinformation and disinformation regarding climate change continues to undermine public trust. Certain groups deliberately promote skepticism about climate science, generally driven by economic interests or political motives, which causes confusion and distrust among the public.
The media plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of climate science. Coverage that highlights scientific consensus and emphasizes urgency tends to strengthen trust, while sensational and conflicting narratives can result in confusion and skepticism.
Movements led by young activists, such as Greta Thunberg, and organizations like Fridays for Future have revitalized public discourse on climate science and increased pressure on governments and institutions to take action. These movements often foster trust in scientists by aligning with clear, science-based messages regarding the urgent need for climate action.
The climate crisis
Local initiatives focused on climate education and awareness can also cultivate trust by directly connecting communities with scientists and their research. When people have the opportunity to engage with scientists, participate in discussions and witness the effects of climate change firsthand, trust in the scientific community can grow.
Surveys demonstrate that trust in institutions conducting climate research, such as universities, governmental agencies and international organizations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, is generally high. However, this trust can fluctuate based on the political context and how these institutions communicate their findings and policy recommendations.
Should we trust scientists?
Globally, the majority of people trust science, and scientists are among the most trusted figures in society. Trust in scientists and their work is essential in managing the climate crisis. A global study on “Trust in Scientists and Their Role in Society across 68 Countries” shows that 83 percent agree that scientists should communicate about science with the public. This study covers 31 percent of the world's countries (including the Philippines) that collectively make up 79 percent of the global population.
More than half of the 71,922 respondents strongly support the idea that scientists should communicate their findings to politicians (56 percent), work closely with the latter to integrate scientific results into policymaking (54 percent) and be more involved in the policymaking process (52 percent).
The arrests of scientists Hansen, Whiteman, Williamson and Kalmus have drawn further attention to the urgent need for comprehensive climate policies and the crucial role of scientists in the climate movement.
Trust in scientists and science is crucial for effective action against climate change. It influences public perception, policy development, international collaboration and our ability to counter misinformation. By nurturing this trust through transparency, open communication and community engagement, the scientific community can help mobilize society to adequately address the climate crisis.
The author is the founder and chief strategic advisor of the Young Environmental Forum and a director of Climate Tracker Asia Inc. He completed a climate change and development course at the University of East Anglia (United Kingdom) and an executive program on sustainability leadership at Yale University (USA). You can email at ludwig.federigan@gmail.com.
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