Digging deeper? Muddling through? How environmental activists make sense and use of science — an exploratory study

Abstract

This paper focusses on the sense making and use of science by environmental activists. It is based on the assumption that activists — without being scientists or professional science communicators — take up a central role in the environmental discourse concerning the translation of scientific findings and their public dissemination. It is thus asked how environmental activists evaluate the relevance of science for their work, which structures and processes they apply to make sense of science, and how they use science related information to make their voices heard. This paper presents data from a study on Canadian activists regarding their use of scientific information in the field of forest protection. The data, interpreted in the context of a situational analysis, helps to enhance understanding of environmental activists' information systems but also show the strategic use of scientific information by these alternative science communicators.

Activists as “alternative” science communicators — Exploring the facets of science communication in societal contexts

“…Against this backdrop, science communication matters for activism: In the battle for public attention, it has been shown that activists use scientifically informed expertise as a social currency [Fähnrich, 2018]. Activists draw on the "symbolic legitimacy" of science [Cox, 2013] to confer credibility on their claims in the wider social or political environment [Sardo and Weitkamp, 2017].…”

Avoiding post-truth environmental conflict in New Zealand: communicating uncertainties in endangered species science

“…Even ignorance may be used this way, by avoiding filling knowledge gaps that may undermine products or policies [Kleinman and Suryanarayanan, 2013]. As Fähnrich [2018] has argued, non-science actors, such as activists and NGOs (and other stakeholders) may not be willing to adhere to the norms and value systems of science and science communication. As our research demonstrates, within the 'normal science frame' strategic approaches to handling research and scientific knowledge are to be expected, when complexity, controversy and incomplete science characterise the issues at hand.…”

Communicating science in organizational contexts: toward an “organizational turn” in science communication research

“…Moreover, organizations from other realms of society, including corporations, political parties, think tanks and NGOs, also increasingly communicate about science-related issues (e.g. Fähnrich, 2018a), such as advances and ethical, legal and social challenges in the fields of biotechnology (for an overview Bonfadelli, 2017), nanotechnology (Donk et al, 2012), climate change (e.g. Jun, 2011) and nutrition (Neff et al, 2009).…”

“…This area of research focuses on science-related communication from organizations, such as companies addressing climate change in their communication (see Thaker's contribution in this issue) or NGOs using scientific results in their campaigns(Doyle, 2007). For these to science is a strategic way of legitimizing their own interests(Fähnrich 2018a). Empirical data on the prevalence of these forms of science communication is rare, but analyzing it is crucial, especially given their potential consequences for the public perception of science.…”