Why are scientific and technical voices important as we grapple with the big issues facing society?

Science and technology are a double-edged sword. They have produced enormous benefits for humanity—look at life expectancy, ease of transportation. Yet these advances bring with them serious dangers. Nuclear science is the most obvious example. At first, nuclear physics was seen as having only one beneficial consequence: X-rays. Suddenly, it was transformed in one fell swoop into the most intense energy source imaginable—for mankind's beneficial use (in principle) and mankind's most destructive weapon. Scientists have a responsibility to communicate to the public their understanding of the implications of science. And because scientists still enjoy a better reputation for integrity than many other professions, UCS is adamant about ensuring the integrity, veracity, and accuracy of its statements. UCS has certainly run into situations where the government was not interested in science. We've long understood that people make deceptive statements about science in political debate. I'm ...  more