Science and environmental stewardship

Abstract

People's vision of world phenomena is still based on the traditional mechanistic concept, which implies that process outcomes can be fully predicted and controlled. The new scientific concept that our world is characterized by complex, self-organizing processes, is so far acknowledged by few insiders. Mass media, advertising companies and information programmes tend to emphasize the success of technology (born at the end of the eighteenth century in the context of the old scientific vision), which significantly contributes to support and spread that mechanistic concept. This situation heavily impacts the management of the environment both in terms of its technical–scientific approach (where a mechanistic idea that does not integrate disciplinary knowledge continues to prevail) and in terms of its stewardship (i.e. an ethically responsible line of conduct). Instead of being solved, environmental problems are frequently shifted through time and space, and eventually magnified. Moreover, among the technicians involved in environmental assessments, as well as decision-makers and the general public, the connections regarding technical–scientific issues, ethical values and policy decisions are often not adequately considered. It's time for a public debate on an alternative vision of real-world phenomena (according to a new scientific concept) and on its actual implications. The hope is that a valid dialogue between existing polarized views on science, technology and the environment may lead to more positive collaboration between science and environmental stewardship, where every single citizen feels committed.