Global climate change: the mutual construction of an emergent science-policy domain

Abstract

In this paper developments in global climate change are considered from a relatively unfamiliar perspective — that of the sociology of science and regulation. Contrary to popular assumptions, the criteria for ‘good science’ with respect to climate-related research, are now being determined not solely from within science itself; they are instead emerging through a process of ‘mutual construction’ with government policy institutions. This preliminary analysis has significant potential implications for scientific practices, and for future research and environmental policies, not least because mutual construction may now risk inadvertently foreclosing consideration of potentially significant alternative scientific research and policy approaches in the climate-change and related environmental fields.