SS 5 - CANCELLED - How Ecologists Can Safely and Effectively Advocate for Science Policy

Session Description: In this session, lawyers from the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund will discuss ways in which ecologists can effectively advocate for science, safely engage in policymaking and, in turn, better protect global ecology.

Whether it’s championing increased funding for ecology research, seeking greater protections for science against political censorship, or promoting government adoption of evidence-based policies, there are numerous areas in which ecologists may want to engage in scientific and political advocacy. This session, led by attorneys from the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund (CSLDF), focuses on how ecologists can safely and effectively use their voices to participate in policymaking and activism on behalf of science and, in turn, better protect global ecology.

We will discuss the best practices when engaging in scientific or political activism, how ecologists can participate in the government rulemaking process, and how they can advocate for robust scientific integrity policies. We’ll also talk about scientists’ First Amendment rights and academic freedom protections—whether they work as federally employed, federally funded, or privately employed ecologists.