Science Summit at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78)

Zoom Link for the Science Summit session from 9 to 11:30 EST- https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88179661787  

The study of humanities in sciences has been a point of contention for many years. However, an analysis of Jane Goodall's research suggests that humanities are crucial to scientific progress. Goodall's approach to studying primates was unique, as she immersed herself in their world, observing their behavior and interactions over an extended period of time. Through this method, she gained valuable insights into chimpanzee culture that would have been impossible to uncover using traditional scientific methods alone. Building on Goodall’s observations, this research aims to deepen our understanding of the role of humanities in science. Through an exploration of various written and scientific works from different periods of time, we seek to uncover the ways in which humanities have influenced scientific progress. After conducting an extensive search, Rachel Carson's Silent Spring was chosen for examination, as it revolutionized the American environmental movement and had far-reaching impacts on society. We decided to delve deeper into why this book gained much popularity and found it due to the inclusion of social and humanitarian aspects of science. The language, metaphoricity, and storytelling used in Silent Spring, were all employed to engage readers on an emotional level. Through this emotional appeal, Carson was able to draw attention to the human and environmental impacts of pesticide use, inspiring a broader public debate about the role of science and technology in society. This emotional connection is a critical component of the humanities, which seeks to engage with the human experience and promote critical reflection on our relationship with the world around us. Moreover, Silent Spring also emphasizes the social and cultural customs of science. Carson recognized that the use of pesticides was not simply a matter of scientific consensus or technological advancement but a complex social and political issue. By challenging the interests of powerful corporations and government agencies, Silent Spring exemplifies the critical and reflective approach to scientific inquiry that is central to the humanities, encouraging readers to question assumptions and challenge established power structures. Silent Spring exemplifies the critical role of humanities in scientific progress; it covers all three key aspects of humanities- emotional, social, and cultural. Our research has shown that Silent Spring precisely emphasizes the importance of humanities in science, supporting Goodall's observations and advocating for a broader integration of humanities into scientific inquiry.
Indeed, this conclusion was further supported through a careful study and analysis of the other works previously mentioned. Science, while it is indeed an objective field, also has some room for the humanities, especially in environmentalism, which is pertinent to us on the Future Blue Youth Council. It was our main reasoning for the use of Silent Spring and articles pertaining to global climate change on Scientific American, National Geographic, and other such publications meant for a common audience. By examining the social, cultural, emotional and ethical dimensions of scientific research, the humanities can provide critical insights into the impact of science on society, and help to ensure that scientific progress is both inclusive and equitable.

Zoom Link for the Science Summit session from 9 to 11:30 EST- https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88179661787