Can scientific research be more temperate? In 2020, an INED researcher working in the framework of the Labos 1point5 collective (see above) did a survey on just that question of 6,000 people working in research.
The conclusion emphasized the need to change research and other practices to reduce our sector’s carbon footprint of. Many people in research say they are ready to reduce air travel to conferences or meeting, but reluctance increases when crucial activities, such as data collection or using high energy consumption machines and instruments, are mentioned. The disciplines with the highest greenhouse gas emissions are also the least inclined to modify their practices, and individuals in dominant professional positions (senior researchers and professors) are more reluctant overall to adopt more sober or self-restrained behaviors, despite their strong awareness of climate issues.
Other studies, including qualitative ones, would be necessary if we are to better understand these resistances, studies that would analyze the role of particular disciplines and social and political positions and stances.
See Marianne Blanchard, Milan Bouchet-Valat, Damien Cartron et al., 2024, "La recherche française est-elle prête pour la sobriété ? Les enseignements d’une enquête nationale", [Is French research ready for greater sobriety? Findings and lessons from a national survey], Natures Sciences Sociétés 32: 127-141 [FR]
