SSI Report Back, November 2006
Over the last few months, SSI members have lent their voices and expertise on climate change and invasive species to a number of policy situations. SSI also hosted a web seminar focused on effective interactions with the media and launched an email series to help scientists communicate with policymakers as well as the media.
Below are a few highlights of the past few months. Thank you to everyone who participated in bringing scientist voices to the public and policymakers.
Media Web Seminar
Climate Change in the U.S. Northeast
Tips and Tools Series
Asian Carp Comment Period
Interference with Science at Interior Department
In September, SSI hosted a special web seminar, "How Scientists Can Work Effectively with the Media." Based on the new book, "A Scientist's Guide to Talking with the Media: Practical Advice from the Union of Concerned Scientists," the live event took place on September 21 with a PowerPoint presentation and audio discussion by the authors, including a question and answer period for participants. More than 50 SSI members participated in the event. Thanks to everyone who attended the event and asked a question or shared an experience.
In their book, UCS Media Director Rich Hayes and his co-author, science journalist Dan Grossman, discuss the gulf between scientists and the media. While it can be a challenge for these two worlds to work together, it is essential that accurate scientific information be communicated effectively to the public through the media.
In their research, the authors surveyed and interviewed scores of scientists and dozens of the nation's top science reporters. Rich and Dan walk the reader through the often difficult intersection of science and the fast-paced world of media and journalists. They provide tips on how to translate abstract concepts into concrete metaphors, craft sound bites, and prepare for interviews. For those looking for a higher profile, the authors explain how to become a reporter's trusted source -- the first card in the Rolodex -- on controversial issues.
The seminar is available on our website to listen to at your convenience.
Climate Change in the U.S. Northeast
A new report by independent scientists and researchers in the Northeast, in collaboration with the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), was released in early October. The Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment (NECIA) report, "Climate Change in the U.S. Northeast," outlines the findings of new state-of-the-art research on recent and projected changes in the region's climate -- from rising temperatures to reduced snow cover, increased sea level, and more extreme weather events. The full report, climate summary, fact sheet and interactive features on migrating climates and extreme heat can be found at Climate Choices
A critical contribution UCS makes to the collaboration is ensuring that the findings are used to educate the public and policymakers about the importance of taking action today to avoid the most devastating consequences of climate change. For example, report authors and UCS staff have presented the findings to key stakeholders involved in the Northeast's Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, to government agencies such as the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, to gubernatorial candidates in seven of the eight states, and to public forums across the region, to name a few. SSI members and UCS activists have sent thousands of letters to governors, gubernatorial candidates, and other policymakers urging strong action to reduce heat-trapping emissions.
NECIA's aim is to develop and communicate a new assessment of climate change and associated impacts on key climate-sensitive sectors in the northeastern United States. The goal of the assessment is to combine state-of-the-art analyses with effective outreach to provide opinion leaders, policy makers, and the public with the best available science upon which to base informed choices about climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Analyses are underway to assess impacts of the climate changes described here on forests and agriculture, coastal and marine resources, human health, recreation and urban centers across the Northeast, as well as options for mitigation and adaptation. Be on the look-out for a major Synthesis Report of these findings, expected in early 2007. For more about the NECIA and the technical papers behind the report, visit Northeast Climate Impacts.
SSI is excited to announce the launch of the Tips and Tools series, which is designed to help scientists better communicate with policy makers and with the media. You should already have received three parts of the series. As you well know, scientists have an important role to play in raising environmental awareness and shaping environmental policy. Through the Sound Science Initiative (SSI), UCS seeks to assist science professionals to effectively contribute to policy debates in various venues.
The Tips and Tools are based on UCS' extensive experience working with scientists and policy makers to ensure that rigorous scientific analysis is included in important public policy debates. The series provides guidelines and suggestions on a variety of topics, from talking with your elected officials to attending town hall meetings and communicating with the media. All of this information can also be found on the Sound Science Initiative website.
UCS has been interviewing officials and others on how to write effective public comments to federal agencies. We will be sending that tip next year, along with others.
SSI identified an opportunity for our members with biodiversity expertise to submit comments on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) proposal to ban further imports and interstate shipments of silver carp and largescale silver carp by adding them to the list of "injurious animals" whose movement is restricted by the Lacey Act. Biologists are concerned that these carp will compete with native species for food and habitat; carry serious diseases to native species; affect water quality; damage boats and equipment; hurt boaters; and have other negative impacts. This follows the comment period on black carp last year, in which at least 12 SSI members also took part. FWS received 83 public comments, with at least 82% favoring the toughest form of regulation.
Over a dozen SSI members with expertise on invasive species let us know that they submitted thoughtful comments on the silver carp and largescale silver carp proposed federal regulation. Also, UCS and other members of our National Environmental Coalition on Invasive Species sent their own comments. This coalition is planning a meeting soon with Dr. Mamie Parker, FWS Assistant Director for Fisheries and Habitat Conservation, to advocate for quick action on all Asian carp regulations.
Interference with Science at the US Department of the Interior
On October 31 the Washington Post reported that high-ranking political appointees within the Department of the Interior have rewritten numerous scientific documents to prevent the protection of several highly imperiled species under the Endangered Species Act. This abuse of science occurred in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Julie MacDonald, a civil engineer with no biological training, personally changed scientific
conclusions and ordered the agency to refrain from protecting several species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA requires the FWS to use the best available science when making decisions regarding what species should be protected.
UCS identified an opportunity for members of our science networks, including SSI, to submit letters-to-the-editor (LTE) to shine a spotlight on abuses of highly placed FWS officials. Specifically, we suggested that scientists submit LTEs to their local papers, asking the new Interior Secretary, Dirk Kempthorne, to take concrete steps to restore the scientific integrity of the agency. Secretary Kempthorne could do so by creating explicit policies that promote scientific openness, allow scientists to do their jobs, and punish those who inappropriately interfere with the scientific process. More than 20 LTEs were submitted to newspapers across the country.
