Embedded links in the original article:
http://www.scienceprogress.org/2009/04/roundup-of-holdren-interviews/Roundup of Holdren Interviews
John Holdren, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, was nominated in the middle of December, but only confirmed by the senate three weeks ago. In the past, he has spoken in earnest about the importance of scientists devoting time to public communication and outreach—he suggests 10 percent of researchers’ time go towards the responsibility. Yesterday, he was finally able to resume the task himself as a public servant. Here are some quick takes on what various outlets covered in their interviews:
ScienceInsider
Holdren discusses the tension between stimulus reporting and the need for productive research, and says he is in dialogue with OMB about how to get this right. The director also reported that he has direct access to the president and has met with him on several occasions. He also talks nukes, NOAA, NASA, and collaboration across agencies.
Nature
In the first response here, Holdren articulates the importance of science for addressing issues in economic recovery, climate and energy, health, and security—key pillars of progressive policy. He also explains that he attends senior staff meetings every morning. Again, he emphasizes access to the president, saying of Obama: “He is deeply interested in the science itself. This guy is extraordinary in his capacity to absorb and integrate and synthesize complicated information. His questions are extraordinary.” Holdren also explains the need to go to the Copenhagen climate change talks with a clear plan. Also covers NASA and nukes.
He says he needs help from scientists everywhere on all the matters OSTP touches: “I also think the wider community has a huge role to play in the education of the public and policymakers about the role of science and technology. I can’t do that by myself.”
Washington Post
The focus here is on cap-and-trade, leading with the question of whether an initial climate plan plan would auction all carbon credits or provide some to industries to ease the transition to a clean-energy economy. The matter is still under discussion.
Associated Press
Here Holdren’s comments regarding geoengineering are front and center. The issue, he says, has at least been raised in administration meetings. But as OSTP later made clear to ScienceInsider, the administration is focusing on the trasition to a clean energy economy the creates jobs and improves competativeness. Andrew Maynard looks at the ethics; Chris Mooney is surprised it came up at all; and The Guardian emphasized this is not a priority matter.
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
