LETTER | Resolve sustainability disputes with science diplomacy

LETTER | Sustainable development is a noble global effort. Climate change is the greatest threat. The loss of biodiversity is another which has not caught as much public attention.

Biodiversity losses pose an almost irreversible threat because they can destabilise nature itself. The services that nature provides us are immeasurable in terms of value. We saw how this was expounded in the film, “A Bug’s Life”. The loss of just a simple pollinating insect can disrupt our entire food production system.

It is no surprise that disputes on sustainability have become common. Science diplomacy has been suggested as a solution. This involves integrating scientific knowledge with diplomatic efforts. Scientists and diplomats should be trained in effective communication to help convey complex scientific concepts to non-experts.

Establishing trust and strong networks among countries is crucial for successful science diplomacy. We should leverage international agreements such as the Paris Agreement on climate change, to promote science-based solutions. Also ensure that scientific research and data are integrated into policy-making processes.

We must support capacity-building initiatives in developing countries to enhance their scientific and diplomatic capabilities. Public engagement in sustainability disputes should be encouraged by raising awareness.

Public support can drive political will. Mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the impact of science diplomacy initiatives on sustainability disputes must be there. This can help identify successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.

There are challenges. Nations often prioritise political, economic, and strategic interests over scientific consensus. For instance, countries rich in fossil fuels may resist transitioning to renewable energy sources, despite the compelling scientific evidence. Countries may view external scientific input as a threat to their sovereignty.

This can lead to resistance against collaborative scientific approaches. In regions with long-standing geopolitical tensions, mistrust between nations can hinder collaborative efforts based on scientific diplomacy.

In some cases, science and technology have been weaponised to further national interests, leading to scepticism. This can make countries wary of participating in such initiatives. Global governance on sustainability is often fragmented, with multiple international organisations, treaties, and agreements that overlap or conflict. This lack of a unified framework makes it difficult to implement science diplomacy effectively.

Even when agreements are reached, the implementation of science-based policies can vary widely between countries. This inconsistency can undermine the effectiveness of science diplomacy in addressing global sustainability challenges.

Not all countries have the same level of scientific expertise. This disparity can lead to unequal participation in scientific diplomacy, with some countries dominating the conversation. Countries may prioritise different scientific issues based on their specific environmental, economic, and social contexts.

For example, a country struggling with water scarcity might focus on water management, while another facing deforestation might prioritise forest conservation. These differing priorities can make reaching a consensus on sustainability issues difficult.

The complexity of sustainability issues makes it difficult to address solely through scientific diplomacy, as solutions require input from multiple disciplines and stakeholders.

Sustainability issues often require long-term solutions, while political and economic systems focus on short-term gains. This misalignment can hinder the use of science diplomacy. The general public may not fully understand or trust scientific findings, especially when they contradict deeply held beliefs or economic interests.

This can lead to resistance against science-based policies and hinder the effectiveness of science diplomacy. Science diplomacy often focuses on high-level discussions among experts and policymakers, but broader public engagement is essential for the successful implementation of sustainability initiatives.

Without public support, even the best scientific diplomacy efforts can falter.

While science diplomacy holds great promise for resolving disputes on sustainability, its full potential is not always realised. Overcoming these challenges requires building trust, fostering international collaboration, enhancing global governance frameworks, and ensuring that scientific knowledge is effectively integrated into policy-making processes.

Additionally, engaging the public and addressing the disparities in scientific capacity and priorities among nations are crucial steps towards making science diplomacy a more effective tool for sustainability.

The author is an associate fellow at Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.