This study shows that citizens do not care if scientists participate or not in the demonstrations

What seems to see someone with a white laboratory coat in protest against climate change? According to a new study published in the magazine “Open Royal Sciences”, This type of activity by scientists He has Less effect on the publicWhat was expected.

Civil disobedience to scientists has increased in recent years. The world rebellionThe Labor for Climate and Organization for Endurance Rebellion works in more than 30 countries. Scientists participated in procedures such as blocking roads, coal mines and private planes in an attempt to fill out public opinion Practicing political and economic pressure on polluted companies. However, the effect of this type of commitment to the public and the credibility of their investigations has not yet been evaluated.

“Academics are in an ideal location to make protests,” says rebellion. “He owns knowledge And experience; we Connected Throughout the world and with those responsible for making decisions; Our wonderful Platforms Through it to inform, educate and gather others around the world, as well as power and legitimacy Infinite, which is the basis of political power. “On this basis, from within society, calls were made for more scholars.”Leave the laboratories and move to the street“.

But do they win the audience? To find out that, researchers Fabian Daland, Maien Sachisthal and Adam Aron – working in universities from the Netherlands and the United States – have a survey of approximately 3000 people from The entire American political spectrum. The team used a study Three cases In a legal march and a civil disobedience: a scenario in which a world went to both, and it is another in which the world participated only in the protest and the third in which the citizens participated only on foot.

After that, the survey evaluated citizens ’reaction to climate policy, supporting them for activists, and the pioneering pioneering protest, and the reliability of environmental sciences in general and the virtual world in particular. The researchers found this Politics support remained unchanged, whether they participated in the scholars as if it were not. Instead, activists have received more support When they participated in the Liga marchFor this in one of the civil disobedience. The participation of environmental scientists does not seem to affect their time or reliability of environmental sciences in general.

What do scientists say?

However, the signatories of the study include in their conclusions a poem of collective strength, Lower fumes for researchers. And they add: “Scientists who (participate in actions against climate change) should not exaggerate their influence. But specifically because all support adds, many environmental scientists believe that it is important to continue their work inside and outside the laboratory, which contributes to the potential of non -violent civil resistance to stimulate change. Some of those protesting the world rebellion They are even ready to risk arresting the case. Nowadays, the organization existing Dozens of scientists from all over Europe, Especially from Germany, which is my root.

Los Scholars To go out to send an important message and appear to activists that the scientific consensus is on their part. However, it is not enough. “I fully think that scientists in climate protests are more important and can be effective and effective. Promote system change“The blessed Chidhoni, responsible for the Aphrinype Climate Directorate, adds.” Although the impact of protests alone can be limited, the combination of scientific knowledge and general activity is a strong force to enhance political changes and inspire teamwork. “

Chidhoni gives an example on peat swamps from Congo Basinand An environmental system threatened by the extract. He says that scientists were aware of the importance of protecting these parts to relieve climate change. His participation in the protests against climate change “has established the case, which makes it closer and urgent for the general public.”