BT Technology Journal: Environmentalism and anti-science
Excerpt: "Everyone wants to look after the environment, but there is strong disagreement about what this means and how best to do so. There is also disagreement about the relative benefits, costs and risks of new developments. Whereas some see more science and technology development as the source of potential improvement, others see it as a threat to the environment and want to hold back ‘progress’, unable to distinguish between science and technology, let alone uses and abuses. The latter school is currently ahead in terms of public support. Because they distrust scientists and the big technology companies, much scientific opinion about causes and effects in our environment is discounted. Policies are often decided without the benefit of good science, or even in spite of it, with studies selected according to whether they have come up with the ‘right answer’. The result is often a degradation of the environment.

"In spite of our low understanding of the many complex interactions in our environment, we are forced to tamper with the systems on a regular basis. Dangers arise in much the same way as for a toddler, playing with a chemistry set aimed at teenagers. The potential for making a mess of environmental management is high, but we unfortunately do not have much time in which to research, understand and master control of the key interactions that govern our environment. So even with the best of intentions, the future is probably further degradation."