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Impact of science on environment under microscope

Half of scientists don’t always think about the environmental impact of their work, a survey from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have revealed.

Only 40% of scientists always or often consider the effect their work will have on the Earth when planning or developing scientific research projects. 53% of those who didn’t consider the environmental impact of their work felt it wasn’t relevant to their area of science.

Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Howard Dalton said: “While the scientific evidence for climate change has been well known for decades we have failed to move many into action, largely because the prospect of turning to a simpler way of life is unappealing and difficult for most people. “If we’re to be serious about reducing our impact on our environment, then we have to get serious about using science and technology to transform the old-fashioned technologies we use, so that we can live within the means of our one planet.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .