TThe Council envisions a society where environmental decisions are based on an accurate understanding of the underlying science, its meaning, and its limitations. In such a society, citizens and decisionmakers receive accurate, understandable, and integrated science-based information. They understand the risks, uncertainties, and potential consequences of their action or inaction.





MISSION AND SCOPE



The National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE) has been working since 1990 to improve the scientific basis for environmental decisionmaking. For its efforts, the Council has earned a reputation for objectivity, responsibility, and achievement.



The Council believes that comprehensive and integrated science can help society achieve its environmental goals in the most effective manner, recognizing economic, social, and security implications. The Council ’s approach to science is embodied in the new phrase ‘sustainability science.’



Supported by over 500 academic, scientific, environmental, and business organizations, and by federal, state and local government, the Council works closely with the many communities that create and use environmental knowledge to make and shape environmental decisions. As an organization where diverse communities can find common ground, the Council focuses on the role of science but does not take positions on environmental issues themselves.

- promoting science for the environment;

- enhancing programs at academic institutions;

- catalyzing and advancing science-based ideas from diverse communities;

- communicating science-based information to society; and

- developing science solutions for environmental challenges.