ABSTRACT
It is not uncommon in political and scientific contexts to assume that science and technology form the key to the problem of environment. This basic assumption becomes clearer when we look at the people actually appointed to the various committees and authorities at a national and international level which have been set up to provide a basis for decision with regard to environmental and related issues. There are various reasons why this conscious or unconscious assumption is made. One explanation is that the ecological threats which confront us are often not immediately accessible to our ordinary senses. The risks involved can only be measured with the help of advanced technical equipment. Put quite simply, environmental problems often involve complex technical questions and therefore it seems reasonable to turn to the experts in the corresponding technical disciplines to solve the problems. Another underlying argument might be that, since science provides objective answers which are based on fact in a field where otherwise emotions and conflicts of interest abound, it is only natural that we should make use of science to guide us in this matter. However, I propose to argue that, although science and technology are of great significance in coming to terms with environmental problems, the latter are not exclusively - indeed not even primarily - of a scientific or technical nature.
