Is Science Biased Toward Natural?

Abstract

Having widely available, accurate, understandable, and unbiased scientific information is central to the successful resolution of the typically contentious, divisive, and litigious natural resource policy issue. Three examples are offered to illustrate how science is often misused. Scientists should be more vigilant guarding against the misuse of science in natural resource policy and management. Otherwise, society risks marginalizing the helpful role that science and scientists can play in resolving important, but divisive natural resource issues. When performed appropriately and without a policy bias, science has much to offer society, decision makers, and individual citizens. The scientific enterprise also has much to lose by doing otherwise.