Climate and environmental politics needs to be supported by accurate information and communication. What is the role of the scientific community?

Abstract

A petition entitled “Italian forests: an invaluable environmental heritage under attack” was recently published on the web. The petition is a perfect example of how environmental communication and public awareness can be manipulated. And, even more seriously, how people claiming to be environmental experts, use the “environment” label to spread their messages and slogans without accurately checking their sources. It is nevertheless of high importance that people are able to express their opinion and ideas freely and this communication between politics, communities and the academic world contribute to our growth as a society. However, any discussions must be underpinned with accurate and precise information. Furthermore, it is the scientific community’s duty to check sources of information and contribute to the spread of accurate environmental communication.

Keywords

• science communication
• scientific debate
• sustainable forest management
• climate-smart forestry
• public engagement