The intersection of science and policy

In Tuesday's online section of energy and environment, there was a report in 2009, the use of wind power as a source of renewable energy went up 39% percent. But the increase of use of renewable energy sources as a part of how we generate power, isn't simply left to science alone, but is due to some government intervention as well. At times, the innovations in science and technology are kinda like the chicken and the egg theory. Which came first, the innovation in science or the government regulation and/or funding in the area of innovation?

In the past few years, with the high oil prices, the problems that diplomatic problems with the Middle East and the rest of the world and pollution caused by generation of power has fueled a debate on how can we achieve energy independence and use more renewable energy sources. Even if the diplomatic relations between the oil producing companies and the rest of the world are always peaceful, fossil fuel are a limited supply and will one day run out. So they debate begin, how to we create a cost effective way of generating power for our homes, business and cars that will allow us to be responsible stewards of the planet.

The technology for use to generate wind power as a renewable energy source has been around for years. There have been wind turbines and wind turbines around for several years. But why the jump of the use of wind energy in 2009; more federal regulation on the use of renewable energy and money for the federal stimulus bill to support this initiative. The growth of wind power, will be based on the level of governmental regulation. The more regulation concerning electricity and the use of renewable energy resources in power generation; the more innovation and practical use we will see.

I'm just curious what other scientific discoveries are lead by government regulation and vice versa. In the big scheme of things, my major concern is that we continue to have innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and funding to support scientific research.

So

Scientific literacy and the world around us

Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson defines scientific literacy as how you see and view the world. When you think about it that is exactly what reading and writing science (scientific literacy) is. Some people confuse it for the ability to derive the newton's first law of thermodynamics or any chemical or mathematical question. But science and math is much simpler than that; it is part of who we are and what we do on a daily basis. It is such an integral part of our world, you can't understand the world and how it functions without understanding science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

For example, let's take cooking something that we do everyday, you have to understand basic math such as fractions to ensure that you are using the proper amount of ingredients to get the taste and flavor you desire. When turning on your lights, you must understand the simple concept of circuits, electric engineering and physics. When you drive your car, you are understanding the concepts of material science, mechanical engineering and chemical engineering. When you use your computer or your cell phone, you must understand concepts of electrical and computer engineering and material science.

You see if you pay attention to what is around you; science, technology, engineering and mathematics is the basics on your every day life. When you are able to recognize that you are scientifically literate.