In a world filled with fake news and “alternative facts,” science is an integral part of an effective democracy that is based on truth and reality.

America’s future prosperity depends on enhancing the technological sophistication and scientific literacy of the people running our organizations.

It has been a fantastic first few weeks at the Earth Institute in my role as the new director. Reflecting on this early time here, I’d like to highlight something that I found particularly special about the Earth Institute: activities that go beyond Columbia and engage with the real world.

How can science be used and transferred effectively by decision-makers? How can we manage scientific uncertainty? These are some of the questions tackled on Monday at the event, ‘Speaking Science to Power.’

The thought that it might be prudent to adapt to climate change and mitigate its impact has occurred to nearly all of the world’s leaders. However, in this country, our President and EPA Administrator are still not convinced there is a climate crisis.

In addition to understanding basic science, we need to think about the use of the technologies that we develop.

Get to know the 2016 and 2015 winners of the Earth Institute’s Distinguished Staff Award, and consider nominating a colleague for 2017.

Climate change is a test of our ability to identify, understand and act on critical global environmental issues. It tests our ability to work across national borders and across academic and professional fields of knowledge.

Trump’s proposed budget includes an effort to shrink funding for university-based science research and the national labs run by the Department of Energy. Research on fundamental earth systems science is also cut as is funding for state environmental agencies and national environmental emergency response.