Public decisions have a significant impact on our communities, affecting various aspects such as safety, health, fairness and future preparedness. To be effective, these decisions must be based on facts and evidence and involve input from all members of the community. Science and democracy play a crucial role in ensuring that public interests are served, with science providing necessary research and evidence to inform policy choices while democracy ensures that all voices are heard in the decision-making process.
Unfortunately, the interests of the powerful often do not align with the public interest. As a result, science and democracy often come under attack from those seeking to protect their own bottom line or political power. Such attacks can have harmful consequences, particularly for communities already facing significant challenges such as communities of color and those living in poverty.
The Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists is dedicated to promoting strong, independent public science, transparent democracy, justice for overburdened communities, and the effective use of science in policymaking for the common good. By supporting this organization’s work, individuals can help ensure that public decisions are grounded in facts, evidence and the voices of all community members.
