By Hamish Johnston
The Science Debate organization sent out questions about science policy to candidates in the 2018 US elections and the answers are in (at least some of them). Prospective US representatives, senators and state governors were queried on 10 topics ranging from climate change to the importance of science to American prosperity.
James Henry, a Democratic Party candidate in Florida, pointed out: “If you look at your monthly credit card statement and remember the kinds of products and services you spent your money on recently, many of the items purchased probably did not even exist 10 or 20 years ago.” This, he added, is why “It is critical that the government encourage a proactive approach to technology”.
“It is foolish to deny the overwhelming scientific evidence for climate change,” said Elizabeth Moro, who is a Democratic Party candidate in Pennsylvania. “We need leaders who aren’t afraid to stand up for science and for our future and the futures of generations to come,” she added.
There is an interactive map of the US where you can click on a state and see if its candidates have responded. As far as I can tell, only a handful of candidates have submitted answers – and not surprisingly, the responses I have seen are all positive about science. But hopefully there will be more answers before the elections in November.
Staying on the economic and societal relevance of science and technology, the UK Space Agency is offering young people help with developing new ideas about how satellites could improve life on Earth. And even better, folks who come up with really good ideas could share in a £50,000 prize. If you have a brilliant idea, check out the above video.
