Plan Z: From science to activism

“What do we want? Climate justice! When do we want it? Half a century ago!” 

Scientific evidence about the human causes of climate change has been available for decades. Political inaction severely jeopardizes the globally agreed-upon goal to keep global warming under 1.5 degrees Celcius. A group of UK scientists, frustrated by their research being ignored, have taken to the streets by joining Extinction Rebellion. This moment, where science and activism converge, raises important questions about the ethics of scientific research. Should scientists remain purely objective and leave activism to others? Using the international premiere of the short film Plan Z: From Lab Coats to Handcuffs as a starting point, this panel discussion will address one of the most polarizing questions in the academic world today.

TALK Science is objective.. right? If so, should scientists be objective too? Is it even possible to be objective if you are part of a society? We will dive into these questions with scientist and member of Extinction Rebellion Romi de Jong (Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences) and philosopher Henk de Regt (Radboud University). In addition, we will dive into inclusivity within social movements. Researcher Nancy Paola Chaves Perez (Radboud University) highlights the challenges faced by minorities as well as their strategies for promoting social justice.