FARGO — During Naomi Oreskes’ lecture, a man posed the question in a sharp voice that made her pause and think. “Why should we trust science?”
The man’s question came during one of the many talks she gave about the scientific consensus that human activity (burning fossil fuels) is making the Earth’s climate warmer and more unstable. It is.
Mr. Oreskes, who previously worked as a mining geologist, has emerged as one of America’s most outspoken and passionate science advocates.
She has written and lectured extensively on the importance of consensus in science, and will be doing so at a book signing in Fargo on Tuesday, October 3rd, and a lecture in Valley City on Wednesday, October 4th.
Scientific consensus is painstakingly formed over time as researchers investigate problems and test ideas through experiments and observations.
However, there is widespread skepticism about the reliability of climate change science and the science itself.
Why trust science?
“That’s a really good question,” Oreskes said. “That’s what inspired me to write this book.”
Oreskes wrote “Why Trust Science?” Her answer boils down to not trusting scientists as individuals, but trusting the collective enterprise of science. This requires scientists to publish their research results so that other scientists can examine them and confirm or challenge them.
Over time, Oreskes says that rigorous process should lead to a scientific consensus that will guide decision-making and understanding.
Oreskes began his academic career as a geologist and taught at Stanford University, Darmouth College, and the University of California, San Diego.
“Why Trust Science?” is one of Oreskes’ recent books. Her quest to dispel misinformation includes her early book, Merchant of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Cover Up the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming. Taka” was included.
She and co-author Eric Conway found that a small group of scientists misled the public about the harms of cigarette smoke and used similar strategies to create doubts about fossil fuels that cause climate change and send messages They found that they often used sympathetic “think tanks” to convey their message.
“Science was intentionally politicized by people who don’t want government action on these issues,” Oreskes told the forum.
In the case of the fossil fuel industry, “they’re doing well and they don’t want to lose it,” she says.
Opponents of regulating second-hand tobacco smoke and fossil fuel combustion often cite freedom as a justification, but their actions do not cause harm, as demonstrated by countless scientific studies. Oreskes said he does not accept that it violates the freedom and health of those affected.
The question for society then becomes, she said, “how do we balance different freedoms?”
There has been a recent backlash against federal efforts to regulate gas stoves. She says critics have pushed back, saying “the government is trying to take away your freedom,” but ignoring the impact on her health.
“It’s not just about money,” Oreskes added. “It’s also a deep question about how we live our lives.”
More and more people are witnessing the negative effects of climate change, including severe flooding, drought, and wildfires.
“Climate change is really serious and we are seeing it first hand,” she said. “But the question is, what are we going to do about it?”
Oreskes’ autograph session Tuesday at Zandbros Variety in Fargo and Wednesday’s speaking engagement at Valley City State University will be her first appearance in North Dakota. To date, she has spoken in 47 of the 50 states.
“I would love to visit” North Dakota, she said, adding that she is still waiting on invitations from Alabama and Mississippi. “That might take a while.”
She said it’s important that people follow recommendations from scientists that have been vetted over time through a scientific review process.
“If we don’t, a lot of bad things will happen,” she said, citing floods and wildfires as examples. “This is real damage.”
Why trust science?
“Science helps us understand our problems,” Oreskes said. “Ultimately, this is an empowering message. We don’t have to be victims.”
Open lecture:
Who: Harvard University Professor Naomi Oreskes
when: Wednesday, October 4, 7:30 p.m.
where: Valley City State University Art Auditorium
Book signing and handshake event:
fargo
when: Tuesday, October 3rd, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
where: Zandbros Variety
bismarck
when: Thursday, October 5th from 5pm to 7pm
where: ferguson book
To watch live streamed or archived lectures, please go online.
