New contract between science and society critical for ensuring sustainability

Ensuring a sustainable future in the face of inter-connected, human-induced challenges facing the Earth system urgently requires new knowledge and a new relationship between science and society, according to leading scientists gathered...

"Scientific evidence shows convincingly that our way of development is undermining the resilience of our planet," said Yuan Tseh Lee, President of the International Council for Science (ICSU). "We must find a different path towards a safe and prosperous future. With all the knowledge and creativity we have, it is absolutely possible. But we are running out of time. We need real leadership, practical solutions, and concrete action to set our world on a sustainable path."

The interconnected challenges facing the Earth system, which are on the negotiating table in Rio, were hotly debated at the Forum. Five hundred scientists from over seventy-five countries debated themes varying from 'Human wellbeing and population trends' to 'Food, water and energy security', and from 'Urban environment and wellbeing' to 'Indigenous knowledge'. The objective of the Forum was to present the latest scientific evidence around global environmental change and identify ways to strengthen the contribution of science to policy decisions that ensure a more equitable and sustainable future.

There was broad agreement amongst participants that we are living in a time of unprecedented global environmental, social, financial, geo-political, and technological challenges. As a result, there is renewed pressure for science to be more relevant and effective at informing policy and implementation.

There is an opportunity for a new contract between science and society to inform policy related to sustainable development and build societal resilience to environmental risks, said participants. Scientists need to engage directly with society to ensure shared understanding of the new realities shaping our world, and help translate knowledge into action for sustainable development. A two-way dialogue between science and society is needed, to ensure research priorities are informed by societal needs."

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