Science Communication and Elections
2024 — The Ultimate Election Year
This year is special as the oldest democracy (the US) and the largest democracy (India) in the world are holding elections. Along with them, at least 64 countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa will hold general, parliament and local elections. All told, about half of the world’s population will choose their leaders by this year-end. The ramifications of this year’s elections will resonate for decades to come.
Fittingly, the Time magazine called this the Ultimate Election year.
Elections are also an industry in themselves. The total money spent on elections globally is hard to track. In the US, its close to $6 billion. In India and Brazil, it’s estimated to be over $2 billion. While some countries like Norway have shifted towards more government spending in elections. All this means that the political shenanigans have been covered in nauseating details. Political ads have blanketed the air-waves. It’s almost impossible to ignore it.
But one key ingredient is missing from almost every conversation — Science. Make no mistake though, this “Ultimate Election” year will also decide the future of science itself as the new elected leaders will decide scientific research funding and scope of international…
