Finding an Ethical Career in Science, Design and Technology Dr Stuart Parkinson
Scientists for Global Responsibility Independent organisation of 1000 natural scientists, social scientists, engineers, architects, IT workers Promotes science, design and technology which contributes to reduction of conflict, environmental protection, social justice Ethical careers publications and website Education and support network
Why an ethical career in science, design and technology? Global environmental damage –Actions and policies during the next 10y very likely to decide whether the world will experience dangerous, irreversible climate change –Current extinction rate for wildlife could be 1000 times the nature level 300,000 people die each year in wars ~1 million people killed each year in road crashes Over 1 billion people live in absolute poverty Science, design and technology can help tackle these problems or can make them worse
Total: 267,000
Govt 10y science & innovation plan Timescale: Economic and military aims dominant Pushing closer collaboration between universities and business Some significant environmental, health programmes
Rise of the ‘green collar’ sector Global market for environmental products and services worth ~€1,000,000,000,000 About 2.3 million work in renewable energy industries worldwide Environmental industries employ over 400,000 people in the UK
Low carbon economy in the UK New targets on renewable energy expansion National Home Energy Saving Programme New ‘Super Express’ trains New support for ‘greener cars’ Carbon Trust Building Schools for the Future
Green jobs – some examples Research –e.g. climate scientist, ecologist, agricultural scientist Engineering –e.g. renewable energy, home insulation, efficiency in industry Project management –Key in making things happen Environmental consultancy –Advice to industry & government on reducing emissions Education and campaigning Green economics –e.g. designing and implementing eco-taxes, carbon trading
More possibilities… Health charities are major R&D funders Research Council programmes on sustainable energy, sustainable agriculture, health inequalities, understanding conflict Growing number of courses on environmental/ development/ security issues
Guiding principles 1.Apply precautionary principle 2.Guard against malicious use 3.Follow democratic principles 4.Consider distributional effects Look for contribution to peace, social justice, and environmental sustainability
Which Employer?
Tips on being successful… Educate yourself on the wider social/ environmental issues affecting your field Don’t be fooled by ‘greenwash’ Incrementalist or revolutionary? Develop your ‘transferable skills’ Get voluntary/ vacation experience beyond science & technology Get support