What I've Done and Taking Suggestions

The Intersection
By Sheril Kirshenbaum
Aug 7, 2007 10:48 PMNov 5, 2019 10:18 AM

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

So where have we gone wrong? Allow me to return to a theme that I think is central. We all have different realities shaped by our individual experiences and perspectives. I have been inundated with science so when I hear global warming, I envision the carbon cycle, statistical analysis, oceanic and atmospheric chemistry, and climactic shifts at rates frighteningly distinct from anything we have record of...not to mention the decreasing pH in oceans that scares the bejebus out of me. Now that even the Vatican and the Bush Administration have finally acknowledged we need to do something, I wonder where we as scientists have fallen short. Randy Olson is right.. we're failing to adapt to a changing media environment. And when you fail to evolve.. you go the way of the Dodo. This is not some Hollywood blockbuster, it's real life and there will be no do over. I'm tiring of the same boring message repackaged to the same audience. People are far smarter on an individual basis than they're given credit for and it's really about scientists finding a new vehicle to get information out in a credible way. A good start would be to encourage universal awareness of what's happening around us. Culture plays an enormous role and we must recognize the power of mainstream media. For example, Linkin Park is influencing a heck of a lot more 15 year olds than peer reviewed journals. It's their voice reaching tomorrow's global leaders. Asking yourself what you've done is a good place to begin, but what's next? How do you think we can wake everyone up?! I'm taking suggestions...

1 free article left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

1 free articleSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.