No.109, Saturday, 28th. March 2026

Why is there such a wide gulf between science (knowledge, data, understanding) and politics? This question is on my mind this morning and I think it probably stems from the frequency with which I have been asking ‘what if…’ questions of late.

Science deals in facts and evidence. I have never been able to find a reason why politics should not also be based in facts and evidence, and up to a point it is. However, I have also learned from my time on Parliamentary committees, Whitehall meeting rooms and discussions with politicians that they are easily distracted from science, evidence and facts by people with vested interests, deep pockets and the ability to shape ‘public opinion’ – or at least to create the illusion that public opinion is on their side.

For example, back in the year 2000 science was telling us that by the end of the 21st. century life was going to be more difficult and unpleasant for everyone but the super-rich, although even they would not get away unscathed. The only difference of opinion was just how unpleasant life would become.

Back then we knew how to build ‘zero energy’ homes. Homes that were characterised by healthy living conditions, including clean air and comfortable warmth or coolth – depending on the time of year. Energy consumed would largely be offset by the energy they produced. The science was telling us what to do, but politicians failed to put it into action. As a consequence, most of us are living in poorly built homes that leak warmth and where there is insufficient clean air. We have damp, mould growth, allergies, respiratory and cardio-vascular conditions – and high energy bills. Those are a direct result of politicians failing to act. Of politicians all too easily bought off by billionaires who own oil and gas companies – and much of the media that shapes public opinion.

How do we change this?