Science’s Role in Modern Democracy

Summary:
In light of former President Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and his history of environmental deregulation, this opinion piece argues for the critical need to integrate scientific knowledge into democratic policies, especially concerning climate change. The article highlights Trump’s rollback of Obama-era greenhouse gas emission standards through the SAFE Vehicles Rule, which deregulated the automobile industry under the guise of economic growth. The author criticizes this rule for ignoring climate change and promoting climate denial. Emphasizing the urgency of the climate crisis, the piece advocates for a top-down approach where governments enforce strict environmental policies rather than relying on individual consensus. The author calls for restructuring democracies to ensure scientific consensus guides public policy, warning that the upcoming 2024 elections could significantly impact climate action, particularly if Trump is re-elected.