Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education--Thank you, World Leaders,

In a story by Chloe Albanesius you'll find, "President Obama on Monday unveiled a campaign intended to promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education among children – an effort that includes about $260 million in financial support from companies like Time Warner Cable, Discovery Communications, Sony, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation"
Source: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2356254,00.asp
Accessed November 22, 2009.

Thank you, President Obama.

All other World leaders encouraging, "STEM," are thanked, too.

Readers, please submit what your leaders are doing regarding science literacy and science education (e-mail me and I will post your message).

Dr. J

Developing Perspective on Global Warming ...Developing Informed Opinions

Here is a link to a Commentary on Global Warming. A quote contained within the article is,

"As the late U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson, the founder of Earth Day,...[stated]... in 1994: "The economy is a wholly owned subsidiary of the environment."

Read the link and reflect on how you feel about global warming. What sources or experiments can you use to support your opinion? How can you influence public policy once you educate yourself about global warming?

What have you done to conserve energy today?

Reflection leads to action and to problem alleviation and resolution. I believe that what each of us does can make a huge difference. I do not like the pessimistic attitude indicated in the article that it is too late ("Tomorrow will be too late to stop drastic effects of global warming" by Peter H. Raven) because that may stop people from taking corrective actions. We can do something and effectively improve our environment. For example, Gaylord Nelson was one person, yet, in creating Earth Day, he profoundly influenced the health of our environment. Many environmentally sound laws were passed as a result of his encouraging people to do something. If we, the people, become lax, some environmental ly sound laws get repealed. Look over the environmental legislation of the Bush era, for example. Look at your own country's environmental laws.

As you come across articles on this topic, feel free to note them in the comments section. Let us know your opinion as you study more.

Science and World Leaders...

Once I went to a AAAS lecture where a Republican, or I should say, "formerly Republican," speaker looked at data in the United States on presidencies and science spending. Following his analysis of data, he became a Democrat. (If I locate the source of the talk, I will add it. But it was after 1971 and before 2002.) It could be very useful for global citizens to periodically do such an analysis in their own nations.

With the inauguration of President Obama yesterday there was much excitement. But one of the exciting ideas concerned science. It is especially great news that a nation will use the scientific knowledge-base and thinkers to assist in developing public policy. It is wonderful that there will be interest in scientific research again.

Any world leader has a huge task, but especially now, when there are financial issues and wars, and global warming, among other challenges, having a leader that respects science and understands the need for it is a critical component of success.

I do think that basic science knowledge is needed by all citizens, but, especially by world leaders.

I wish the new President well as he joins other world leaders in alleviating problems and building peace and prosperity.

Additional reading:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gJKgWvqj_NGE3zAYxnidI319krhgD95R38V80

(c) 2009 J S Shipman