Science, sustainability and social purpose: barriers to effective articulation, dialogue and utilization of formal and informal science in public policy

Abstract

The communication among scientists, policy makers, public policy analysts and the common people in society is often fraught with ambiguity, anxiety and some times clear confusion. Not to mention the times when it is very clear. For instance most people who follow non-sustainable life styles genuinely believe (and some scientists whom they prefer to hear, endorse that), that science will find remedies for treating all the waste they create, and generate new sources of energy after non-renewable sources are exhausted. The clarity of communication among various stakeholders is not just a function of message though that is quite important. Several barriers to effective communication among various stakeholders influencing discourse on science and society are: