STUDENT’S VOICE
Science, Policy, Culture, and Conservation: Challenges to a Sustainable Future
Jonathan Valentine, SA-7526
Valentine5@mail.usf.edu
Abstract
In the social imagination science is often depicted as its own entity free from outside influence. However, to justify and finance scientific research, science itself must rely on cul- tural aspects such as ideological and religious beliefs (Harari et al., 2015). These cultural aspects need to be considered to understand how science and policy work together in conserva- tion. For policy to reflect the need to restore altered habitats, dominant cultural beliefs need to embrace the idea of conserva- tion. Scientific research related to conservation efforts are still underfunded even though it is in our best interests to invest in conservation. This remains a major challenge in moving toward a sustainable future as science, cultural values, and policy must work together for conservation.
The Marriage of Science and Policy
From a historical perspective, the marriage of science and policy is a rather recent development. The great political philosopher Aristotle, who is often credited with championing aspects of the scientific method, had little to say in regards to the role of science in managing the polis, or city-state. This is because earlier traditions formulated their theories in the form of stories and until the scientific revolution most human cultures did not believe in progress (Harari et al., 2015). Sacred texts such as the Vedas, the Bible, or the Confucian classics had already revealed to their adherents what was necessary to know about the world. Scientific developments still occurred: for example, in ancient Rome the impact of environmental practices on health were taken seriously, and led to the development of fresh water delivery systems via aqueducts, sophisticated bath systems, piped water, drainage systems, and public pay lavatories (Porter, 1999). However, this is the exception that proves the rule, “Whereas modern states call in their scientists to provide solutions in almost every area of national policy, from energy to health to waste disposal, ancient kingdoms seldom did so” (Harari et al., 2015).
Science was not seriously invested in to advance and comple- ment politics until 1620, when Frances Bacon in his manifesto The New Instrument put forth the idea that, “Knowledge is power” (Harari et al., 2015). Modern science uses mathematics to connect observations into comprehensive theories. The nov- elty of Bacon’s insight was that the theories science provides can be used to empower ourselves. Medieval Europe bought into the idea of investing in science and within 150 years the industrial revolution had begun and the hum of steam engines could be heard throughout Europe.
Science Has No Ethic
By the late 1700’s science and policy were intimately inter- twined (Harari et al., 2015). However, it is important to note that while science can further politics by empowering specific policies, science by itself provides no insight on ethical deci- sions. It cannot answer questions such as whether we should protect the environment or bolster the economy through our scientific endeavors. This question and questions like it remain entirely in the realm of culture and politics. Many people are convinced that, “Science takes place on some superior moral or spiritual plane above the rest of human activity”, but they are mistaken, “Like all other parts of our culture, it is shaped by economic, political and religious interests.” (Harari et al., 2015). This means that most modern scientific studies are funded because someone, somewhere believes they can attain some economic, political, or religious goal (Harari et al., 2015).
Science, Policy, & Conservation
Science and policy are tools that further human interests. Historically, if human interests came into conflict with the interests of the natural environment, human interests won out. This has caused the world to be stripped of its diversity and resilience wherever humans are found in large numbers (Pagel, 2012). The marriage of science with policy allowed us to further our own interests at an alarming rate and the environment bore the brunt of the consequences. Humanity still acts out of self-interest, however it has become clear that the practice of conservation is now in our species’ best inter- est. Conservation, for this essay, can be defined as making peace with nature.
The Everglades as a Case Study
In 1947, Congress authorized the Central and Southern Florida Project: it included the development of 2,000 miles of levees and canals, which carved the northern Everglades into farmland, and the central Everglades into reservoirs, while the southern Everglades was reserved as Everglades National Park (Grunwald, 2007). Section 21 of Chapter 59-994 of the Laws of Florida went as far as stating that, “It is hereby declared that in said District, surface waters, which shall include rainfall and the overflow of rivers and streams, are a common enemy”.
Fast forward 70 years and the common enemy has been defeated. Unfortunately, we now are investing billions of dollars to resurrect her. Without flowing surface water in the Everglades hydrologic system, nitrogen and phosphorous
www.aipg.org Jul.Aug.Sep 2017 • TPG 53
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