Role of physical science in bringing socio economic changes concern to environment
Answers
Representatives from Mexico, the USA and Canada met in Alberta, Canada, to examine the impact of scientific change on society and its governance. Preparing for the 1999 World Conference on Science, the group looked at many aspects of the links between science and society — strengths, weaknesses, benefits, pitfalls and possible future directions. The full report and its appendices summarizes the group’s reflections and is addressed to the World Conference on Science.
Brief presentations on four selected topics where the applications of science affect virtually everyone — agriculture and food production, genetic research in medicine, global change, and energy — helped to ground the discussion in real issues. By intention, many points raised cut across the specific introductory topics. The report groups the resulting discussion under six broad themes: science in transition; communication and education; North-South issues; economics versus sustainable development; science policy and ethics; and integrating issues.
The meeting was not intended to define an official North American position; rather, participants were invited in their capacity as professional scientists, to present their personal perspectives on the changing role of science in society and governance in an open forum. From this frank and penetrating exchange, a number of general observations and conclusions emerged that are relevant to the concept and agenda of the World Science Conference. These are accompanied by suggestions for action recommended by some or several participants.