The Program on Science in Public Affairs
 The
role that science plays in public and international affairs is growing
in importance as expanding human activities create new and increasingly
complex global environmental problems.
These problems are not simply scientific problems. They are also problems
of policy, law, economics, and human behavior. The Center's Program on
Science in Public Affairs, directed by Dr. Kilaparti Ramakrishna, focuses
on the importance of bringing science to bear on policy formulation and
on the adoption of international agreements governing these topics. As
a result, we have been intensely active in scientific and policy research
surrounding both global climate change issues, and issues concerning world
forest resources. Global nitrogen issues and the need for international
policy action warrants serious attention as well, spurring our more recent
activities in that area. Finally, issues of environmental governance and
sustainable development are also of great interest and therefore part
of our research and activities. Our efforts emphasize the importance of
participation by developing countries in international legal discussions,
the resolution of north-south conflicts, and the role of nongovernmental
organizations in international processes.
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