Opinion – Marcelo Leite: Our Common Future and the 2022 elections

The following text was written by biologist Mercedes Bustamante, from the University of Brasília (UnB) and the Brazilian Academy of Sciences. It is part of the second “occupation” of columns in the press promoted by the Serrapilheira Institute, this time with the theme “how science should participate in the reconstruction of Brazil”.

There is nothing more appropriate, by the way, than having the collaboration of an ecologist concerned with the future of the Brazilian biomes, the Cerrado and Amazon ahead, and the crisis of the planetary climate. In the words of Mercedes Bustamante:

35 years ago, the report “Our Common Future” (1987) was released by the World Commission on Environment and Development. Also called the Brundtland Report in association with Norwegian Minister Gro Brundtland, who coordinated it, the document conceives of sustainable development as development “that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” That is, common concerns, challenges and efforts.

In October of this year, we will be in Brazil facing a decisive moment to reflect on our common future and the role of science and education in the design of that future. The 2022 elections should represent a significant turning point to realign public policies with the agendas of generating knowledge and sustainability, reducing inequalities and respecting human rights and social diversity.

Science allows us to project possible futures based on our choices in the present. Young people around the world are clearly indicating that they want change and want to participate in today’s decisions that will have lasting impacts on their future and the planet.

Through knowledge, its instruments and research institutions with adequate funding, we can create and evaluate development alternatives that are socially inclusive and that consider the limits of sustainability of our ecosystems. In this task, all areas of knowledge will be fundamental.

Improving science education at all levels of education allows the processes associated with science to be well known and understood. Thus, the entire society and economy benefit from an education based on science.

Recently, the Brazilian Academy of Sciences released a document on the importance of science as a State policy for the development of Brazil. The Covid-19 pandemic is a global shock that is entering its third year. On the other hand, environmental changes, such as the climate emergency and the decline of biodiversity, are crises that bring impacts that will remain with us for a long time, spanning generations.

Health, agriculture, water and energy sources are associated with the health of the environment. Appropriate responses depend on the best science, but also that their relevance is understood and valued by responsible leaders.

Globally, this decade will be decisive for implementing actions that will define our common future. In Brazil, the elections offer us an opportunity to evaluate the proposals for the country that will be defended by candidates for the Executive and Legislative at the federal and state levels. Which ones value education, science, culture and the environment? For candidates seeking reelection, what have been your actions in these areas?

Surely, such an assessment will facilitate the choices. And without a doubt, we urgently need better choices.