Silencing Science Tracker – Sabin Center for Climate Change Law

http://columbiaclimatelaw.com/resources/silencing-science-tracker/

The Silencing Science Tracker is a joint initiative of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law and the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund. It is intended to record reports of government attempts to “silence science” since the November 2016 election. At this time, the tracker only includes actions taken by the federal government, but we plan to add state-level actions in the future.

We define “silencing science” to include any action that has the effect of restricting or prohibiting scientific research, education or discussion, or the publication or use of scientific information. We divide such actions into 6 categories as follows:

Category Examples Government Censorship Changing the content of websites and documents to suppress or distort scientific information. Making scientific data more difficult to find or access. Restricting public communication by scientists. Self-Censorship Scientists voluntarily changing the content of websites and documents to suppress or distort scientific information, potentially in response to political pressure. We note that it is often difficult to determine whether self-censorship is occurring and/or its cause. We do not take any position on the accuracy of any individual report on self-censorship. Budget Cuts Reducing funding for existing agency programs involving scientific research or scientific education. Cancelling existing grants for scientific research or scientific education. We do not include, in the “budget cuts” category, government decisions to refuse new grant applications or funding for new agency programs. Personnel Changes Removing scientists from agency positions or creating a hostile work environment. Appointing unqualified individuals to, or failing to fill, scientific positions. Changing the composition of scientific advisory boards or other committees to remove qualified scientists or add only industry-favored members. Research Hindrance Destroying data needed to undertake scientific research. Preventing or restricting the publication of scientific research. Pressuring scientists to change research findings. Bias and Misrepresentation Engaging in “cherry picking” or only disclosing certain scientific studies (e.g., that support a particular conclusion). Misrepresenting or mischaracterizing scientific studies. Disregarding scientific studies or advice in policy-making.

Category Examples Government Censorship Changing the content of websites and documents to suppress or distort scientific information. Making scientific data more difficult to find or access. Restricting public communication by scientists. Self-Censorship Scientists voluntarily changing the content of websites and documents to suppress or distort scientific information, potentially in response to political pressure. We note that it is often difficult to determine whether self-censorship is occurring and/or its cause. We do not take any position on the accuracy of any individual report on self-censorship. Budget Cuts Reducing funding for existing agency programs involving scientific research or scientific education. Cancelling existing grants for scientific research or scientific education. We do not include, in the “budget cuts” category, government decisions to refuse new grant applications or funding for new agency programs. Personnel Changes Removing scientists from agency positions or creating a hostile work environment. Appointing unqualified individuals to, or failing to fill, scientific positions. Changing the composition of scientific advisory boards or other committees to remove qualified scientists or add only industry-favored members. Research Hindrance Destroying data needed to undertake scientific research. Preventing or restricting the publication of scientific research. Pressuring scientists to change research findings. Bias and Misrepresentation Engaging in “cherry picking” or only disclosing certain scientific studies (e.g., that support a particular conclusion). Misrepresenting or mischaracterizing scientific studies. Disregarding scientific studies or advice in policy-making.