Its methods include public presentations, articles in the press, and participation in radio and television programmes. Short papers on policy issues are used as appropriate for public discussion and debate, or private recommendation to responsible bodies. While firmly maintaining its independence, it takes pains to coordinate its work with others, avoid duplication of effort, and cooperate with other bodies as appropriate. Too often there is a barrier between scientific research and environmental thinking on one side, and politics, economics, policy formation and decision taking on the other. Responsibility must be shared.
Scientists find it hard to communicate outside their specialities.
They prefer to deal in relative certainties of fact or judgement, and feel uneasy with shades of probability and the ambiguities of policy making. They are not used to lateral thinking, and often dislike the interdisciplinary approach which is essential in all work on the environment. Some cling to abstract notions of pure science, and are reluctant to accept responsibility for the practical consequences of their work. For their part those who take most of the decisions in our society, whether politicians, industrialists, managers, civil servants or others, often have no more than hazy ideas about science, and do not give scientific considerations the weight due to them. Science, and even more so the environment, does not fit easily into their frame of reference, and can represent an awkward intrusion.