ABSTRACT
Debates about the unsustainability of particular forms of resource extraction, processing, exchange, consumption and disposal arose as a consequence of scientific research into problematic changes in the conditions of one's terrestrial environment. The selection of technologies, emissions or pollution levels is justified by reference to expert scientific advice. Without scientific research and the dissemination of its findings, people would never have known that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were damaging the earth's protective layer of ozone or that emissions of greenhouse gases are destabilizing our climates. If scientific knowledge and expertise are to contribute to green transformations, or even just to enhance sustainability, the knowledge along with the attendant uncertainties and the exercise of expertise, all need to be in the public domain. Research has shown that power can often be exercised by controlling the creation, diffusion and portrayals of scientific evidence. Consequently, transparency is a condition for enhanced authentic legitimacy, both scientific and political, at all levels, local, national, regional and global.
