Scientists have little regard for public opinion

Re: “When did people stop trusting science?” letter, May 26.

The letter-writer wonders when people stopped trusting science. I believe the more important question is why.

I stopped trusting science because I see scientists doing things for which there is no social licence and for which the unforetold backlash comes many years later.

Scientists have skills and resources that lay people do not have, and they have had free rein as far as what they choose to do with those assets. As a result, we have seen science produce DDT and PCBs which are poisoning our earth; we have seen the “green revolution” deplete our agricultural land; and now genetically modified foods are being forced upon us. There is vast opposition to GMOs. The majority of the public want GMO foods to be labelled but Monsanto and other GMO producers oppose labelling laws. Why? Because they know the public would choose to avoid GMOs, thus putting a stop to their financial windfall.

Science has turned itself into a vehicle for making huge profits for companies like Monsanto, with no regard for public opinion. Crossing the species barrier (which was done in creating GMOs) was a major event in science and one for which the consequences have not yet been fully felt. Where was the ethical debate? Where was public opinion solicited?

Scientific endeavours can have farreaching effects, and as we all have to live with the consequences, we should all have a say. Until science recognizes this, I will continue to be very skeptical. Judy Smith Victoria