OECD Urges Better Communication of Science Advances

[Stewart Farber <farbersa@optonline.net>]

Hi all:

Interesting news article from Reuters [excerpt below -see hyperlink to full 

article] from a free-market forum just held in France related to 

governments' role vis a vis the public concerning science and technology 

issues.



Stewart Farber

=================

FRANCE: December 10, 2003



PARIS - Governments must do more to educate people about scientific and 

technological advances to counter misinformation and often unfounded fears 

of risks to health and the environment, a free-market forum said Monday.



Innovation in areas like e-commerce, nuclear power, stem cell research and 

genetically modified crops offers huge growth potential, but public 

confidence is vital, Donald Johnston, secretary-general of the Organization 

for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), told a forum on 

investment.



"To preserve the vast potential of science to better the human condition, 

governments must do much more to ensure the maintenance of public 

confidence. Fears abound, stoked often by claims of some NGO activists who 

exercise media power without... shouldering responsibility," Johnston said.



"Governments need to take back the initiative on science issues -- through 

transparency, education and broad consultation. The public must understand 

the trade-offs.".........................



<url: http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/23065/story.htm>



 

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