Why we need scientists to make sustainable policies

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic taught us the importance of having scientists in public health policymaking. As with the pandemic, humanity faces another crisis at a greater scale: global climate change. Here, two carbontech researchers and Forbes 30 Under 30 honorees reflect on their unique paths toward influencing sustainable policies in government and international organizations. They reason that science advice is often ignored by governments and that we need more STEM scientists in sustainability policymaking. They also offer their advice to other young scientists who are looking to make an impact beyond academia.