Debate versus consensus

Science is – in it´s nature so to say – a zone of discussions, different perspectives, various angles, proves and disproves, agreements as well as disagreements. Debate enriches the scientific community and as a consequence the ongoing research. However, if science tends to ever have an impact on politics and eventually on our society, a certain consensus is vital. And this is where the World Resources Forum comes into play.
 

 
Of course, participants will like in many other conferences debate and discuss, maybe even argue and dispute. However, the final aim of the forum is, as Lorenz Hilty, one of the co-organisers, puts it, “to speak with one voice”. If journalists, politicians, managers or the public discern thousands of different perspectives and opinions on the topic of resource exploitation, they will firstly not know, whom to believe and secondly not see the necessity for immediate action. The main reason for the conduct of the World Resources Forum is therefore to reach – at least on a preliminary base – a conjoint claim that can be directed to decision-makers. Tomorrow afternoon´s call for action will show if this high aim was reached.