Should Academics Advocate on Environmental Issues?

Academic advocacy involves advancing convincingly reasoned arguments that are supported by research results and academic expertise. However, academics must recognize that their notions of “good” are context dependent. Advocacy is an important and useful service of the university and failure to advocate undermines the social relevance of academia. Nonetheless, advocacy can have personal cost for the advocate, and we consider it appropriate that institutions should minimize this. We offer the following four tenets on how scientists can effectively advocate positions in public debates: (1) Be open about values and speak to the “big picture”; (2) advocate with credibility; (3) address counterpoints and admit uncertainty; and (4) simplify complexity so the media will embrace the delivered message. Advocacy is a core academic activity essential for addressing environmental issues in a responsible and accountable manner.