Science saves! That is the message that needs to be ‘put out there’ to an extent which previously may never have been realised since the enlightenment. The extraordinary levels of misinformation that we have been subjected to in respect of Covid-19 has caused difficulties, pain, and a loss of life that most people could never have imagined. Science really can save us, but honesty and transparency are also required at all levels, to avoid distortion and misrepresentation of the truth. Science has always been here to save us; it’s just that influential charlatans and ignorance have also resided in too close a proximity to Science. Perhaps this recent disharmonious coexistence is now ebbing, as various global events unfold; importantly, including the development and rolling-out of vaccines - let’s say “thanks to scientists”!
Additionally, our energy needs are growing, day by day, year on year and human-induced Climate Change progresses day by day, year on year. Are rechargeable batteries powered by renewable sources of energy the answer to our energy needs? Elon Musk may have us believe that; and there is evidence to suggest that this may be so, in part. Some may say that one of the remaining challenges however is the further development of rechargeable batteries themselves. We must look again to scientists in the field, to help us overcome this challenge. I am confident that they will, and in time we will say, “thanks to scientists” once again! Similarly, fuel cells in vehicles, and perhaps elsewhere, continue to appear to be potentially viable… and a means of helping us move further away from the use of fossil fuels as a source of energy…. No doubt in time, we should, say, “thanks to scientists” once again!
The season of giving thanks is upon us, so I recommend that, over Christmas, we all ought to toast our ongoing “thanks to scientists!”
Dr K. Emmerton