ABSTRACT
Science in global environmental governance refers to underlying authoritative knowledge about environmental problems. Scientific statements of certainty have been challenged as motivated by political interests, and skeptics have invoked contrasting science. Science and technology studies (STS) scholars analyze the social conditions that give rise to the generation of science, and to the perceived status of experts and organizations that legitimize science. STS scholars see “boundary work” as the means by which science is rendered non-political, and consequently no longer open to public debate. Earth-system scientists, however, see boundary work as the ways scientists can interact with policymakers without appearing biased. Climate models that focus on atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations overlook the role of social vulnerability and resilience on the ground that is related to levels of development or international assistance.
