Greenpeace Science Unit

In India, like in other parts of the world, science is used to justify the existence and use of many technologies that actually pose a threat to the health of people and the environment. Technologies like nuclear power and genetically modified organisms are being promoted by governments, businesses and some parts of the scientific establishment without really examining the risks inherent in these or informing the public about these risks. Our opposition to these technologies has led to accusations that Greenpeace is 'anti-science'. This is far from the case. Our objection is to technologies that are harmful or unproven. Greenpeace advocates the Precautionary Principle in the case of all new technologies. More on Precautionary Principles and GMO's - Taking a Scientific Approach to Risk(pdf document)

We too depend on science and technology to provide solutions to many of the environmental threats facing the planet.

Greenpeace also actively encourages wider public involvement in science and advocates the need to reform the relationship between science and society.

Our Greenpeace Science Laboratory at Exeter University, has conducted tests on many soil, water and effluent samples to determine toxicity levels. These reports have been crucial to our campaigns in Bhopal, Patancheru, Eloor and other places where we are fighting to clean up or shut down highly polluting factories. Our team of campaigners in India also work closely with our scientific advisor Dr. Ashesh Tayal for scientific inputs and arguments for our campaigns.