SCIENCE is important to development, and its benefits are too numerous to mention. At a national development level, science aids in guiding proper decision-making, since, out of respect for empirical evidence, decision-makers are better informed, and time and scarce resources are effectively and efficiently utilised.Science also creates an atmosphere of direction, orderliness and calm in the society. For instance, meteorologists know the importance of accurately reading atmospheric conditions in order to deliver timely and up-to-date weather and climate patterns. Outside of commuters, who rely on this accuracy to inform their activities, choice of clothing and weather gear; airlines, farmers and numerous others rely on this accuracy to determine travel schedule and farming activities.

Wrath is many times rained down on the weather forecaster when predictions are faulty, and this is because of the disruption faulty predictions could cause to the schedules of industries and individual. But the meteorological office cannot accurately announce coming patterns if not given the appropriate tools, including personnel, training and instruments to get the job done.

At the Climate Summit recently held in Paris, which among other things addressed issues pertaining to global warming, decision-makers were largely guided in deliberations and agreement by scientific evidence of the threats facing us if we fail to act. Findings of scientists on the state of the planet today and the destruction wrought on the environment through the choices made in pursuit of development were factors considered.

These revelations have informed the shift to new approaches to development, wherein countries have committed to introducing/strengthening policies to reduce emissions; apply reforestation; ensure energy-saving programmes, inclusive of buildings that will benefit from natural lighting, among other things. In some cases, countries have offered tax rebates/exemptions to home owners and businesses that are shifting to environmentally-friendly sources of energy.

Guyana has adopted a Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which aims to contribute to sustaining the planet through reforestation, preservation, and the enabling of a Green Economy. In spite of the complex nature of government, businesses and other organisations, it is recognised and appreciated that citizens and customers whom these institutions are established to serve each have an important input to make towards the success of these institutions. Consequently, in pursuit of realising optimum performance, businesses conduct market/customer surveys.

Where governments are concerned, in pursuit of satisfying their citizens, surveys/polls are considered important to gauge feedback/approval rating on performance and thinking on particular issues, such as race, gender, crime and so forth. From these surveys, governments and politicians develop policies and programmes, and put strategies in place, including laws, to realise their objectives.

Politicians vying for office usually take their cue from opinion polls, and run on platforms consistent with prevailing views in the society. For instance, where the populace despises corruption, those who want to win at the polls will find this issue worthy of addressing. In Guyana, where governments infrequently make decisions that are informed by scientific evidence, including polls and surveys, the people’s point of view is often made known through social media, public conversations, newspapers’ letter sections, editorials, call-in broadcast programmes, and so forth. Even as these offer a very good sounding board for feedback, there exists deficiency in the sense that the views may not be a representative spread, may be confined to those who have the time and access, and may be the views of users of these tools.

In this 21st century economy, decision-making and development are largely informed by science. It accordingly bodes well to examine new approaches that will see this nation paying pre-eminence to evidence-based decision-making, and applying same to achieve equitable and just development in our diverse society.