Harnessing science to tackle global crises

Our world faces a convergence of complex, interconnected challenges. Climate change, biodiversity loss, armed conflicts, rising inequality, and mass migrations of humans and animals are combining to create a global polycrisis. The wealth of scientific knowledge that humanity possesses could be a true asset in effectively addressing these challenges, however, the true potential of science remains untapped at the time we need it the most.   

In a paper published in PLOS Sustainability and Transformation, an international team of researchers looked at how science could play a more active role in managing crises. The paper builds on the outcomes of the international conference “What Role for Science in Crisis Times? Outlook in the Health, Environment, and Agriculture Interconnected Areas”, held in Montpellier in 2022. 

To enhance science’s contribution to crisis management, the paper emphasises the need for interdisciplinarity, where science is integrated across disciplines, and transdisciplinarity, which incorporates various societal actors and stakeholders. By co-designing and co-producing solutions with scientists, policymakers and affected populations, transdisciplinary science can contribute to integrated and cooperative decision-making. 

“We are now living in a polycrisis world, where science should be playing a more engaged and active role,” says Paul Shrivastava, Co-President of The Club of Rome, Professor of Management & Organizations, The Pennsylvania State University and the lead author of the paper. “It should be more fluid, timely, and integrated with social and political decision-making.” 

The paper summarises the key actions to harness science to tackle crises, which include implementing interventions on both global and local scales, engaging the public, democratising science, adopting new governance frameworks, and integrating community engagement. It also highlights the importance of aligning science-based interventions with cultural norms and increasing engagement with countries suffering from unequal access to science. 

The authors stress that the effort needs to come from both directions—political leaders need to proactively engage with scientists and rely on evidence-based solutions, while scientists need to seek access points to connect with crisis responders and affected populations. The latter could be encouraged by rewarding scientists for their real-world contributions within the academic system and increasing funding for research with a direct crisis impact. 

“Science has identified the existential threats we face, but this knowledge is often ignored, contested, or slowly acted upon. It’s time to flip the science model and mobilise significant resources for the benefit of people and the planet,” says Carlos Alvarez Pereira Secretary General of The Club of Rome and co-author of the study. “That is why The Club of Rome and partners established the Earth-Humanity Coalition — a global network that encourages transformative research and action at all levels.”  

This paper underscores the vital role of science in navigating crisis-ridden times and urges decision-makers to view scientific input as crucial for fostering sustainability and transformation. By harnessing the transformative power of science, transcending traditional boundaries, and cultivating collaborative solutions, we can chart a course towards a sustainable future in an equitable and healthy world for all.  

Reference: Shrivastava P, Jackson L, Ghneim-Herrera T, Caron P, Correa C, Alvarez Pereira C, et al. (2024) Science in crisis times: The crucial role of science in sustainability and transformation. PLOS Sustain Transform 3(10): e0000132. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pstr.0000132 

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