and adopted in 1997 by the 30 elected members of the council of the WIS and
thus, consistent with its statutes, by all its members.
Since its beginnings, human society has developed without sufficient recognition of the problems this development itself could present. Today, it is facing consequences of its own making which are threatening its further development and the natural resources on which mankind's existence is based. Such disorderly development may tomorrow become catastrophic.
The environmental changes produced by humans require a change in their actions, using all resources of the human mind and spirit.
The explosion of scientific knowledge started about four hundred years ago. Technological applications of this knowledge have provided humans with incredible power and have led, for the first time in human history, to a world-wide civilization which transcends geographical separation and the diversity of cultures. It is true that there are many difficult and immediate word-wide political problems, but beyond them there is the question of the future of the Earth and of mankind. And in order to solve major problems which can be expected during this century, we must undertake their solutions in the immediate future.
In an attempt to respond to these major concerns, eminents persons, chiefly scientists, have decided to work towards the formation of a permanent deliberative body which would be a genuine world-wide study center concerned with the expected crises in our civilization and with ways of dealing with them both in the medium and in the long term : this is the World Institute of Science. Its studies, to transcend all ideologies, all frontiers, all national policies and all disciplines, must be conducted by everyone with the same objectivity which science itself demands. The reports which will carry the practical expression of these studies should be circulated without restriction.
This is why we present an appeal to scientists, to economical and political decision-makers, and also to public opinion.
Being scientists with a feeling of responsability, we devote part of our activity towards a contribution to the public debate about the fundamental issues of our time upon which the survival of mankind depends. This contribution is based on the following considerations:
1. The face of Earth has changed. Technological applications of scientific knowledge are in large part responsible for the changes which have taken place during the last 300 years.
2. Changes in the environment due to humans compels them to change their actions.
3. Science is deeply involved as a cause, and should accept a share of the responsability for these unprecedented changes. It is clear the changes have both good and dangerous potentialities for the human species. It is now essential to preserve the good consequences and to avoid the dangerous ones.
4. Science is an integral part of human culture, and today is a part which is the forefront of change and growth, and can be exemplary. As such, scientists should attempt to show clearly and to everyone what is scientific and what is not, what we know, what we suspect, what we do not know and what we can and must do or not do.
5. Science should aim to be exemplary through exacting intellectual standards. This implies that the questioning of scientific methods, concepts, and knowledge should be a permanent exercise.
6. Science provides mankind with a knowledge of essential processes of the Universe, of matter, and of life. And mastering the applications of these processes (biotechnology, nuclear processes, climatic change, etc.) is part of the responsability of scientists.
7. Public opinion must be kept informed about the state of science and its effects on public policy. This has become one of the important new duties of scientists.
8. Scientists should take part in control of developments by which fundamental discoveries are transformed into technical applications which in turn may present a danger for mankind.
9. Scientists must be much involved in the fight against disorders and harm to our environment.
We must face a situation in which the rhythm of scientific discoveries is radically different from what it was in the past. Applications of scientific discoveries lead to technological developments which can affect the entire planet over a relatively short time.
The scientific community calls those with political or economic power not to simply invoke "economic realism", "inevitability", or the flow of history in order to excuse and tolerate bad consequences of technological developments. Human dignity and the equilibrium of the biosphere are too important to be dismissed this way. Scientists believe that, for every major technical development, there must be an evaluation of the relatively long-term human and ecological costs, as well as evaluation of the financial significance. Science itself cannot offer a solution for every problem. But probably none of the planet-wide problems which affect our welfare and survival can be successfully solved without scientific input.
Scientists also call upon those with economic or political power to base their actions on guidelines such as the following:
1. Respect human dignity and creativity, and protect ethnic, cultural, and biological diversity.
The following are closely related to such primary principles
2. Enlarge human heritage by developing the critically important source of new knowledge, fundamental research. Respect its autonomy and universal dimension; permit and encourage free circulation of scientists and scientific knowledge so that it can serve human life and its future.
3. Preserve genetic diversity between species and within species, beginning with human beings. This implies no attempt to introduce eugenics or, in the present state of knowledge, genetic manipulation of the human germ line.
4. Direct technological developments towards overall improvement of the quality of human life; do not accept the destruction or exploitation of individuals or human groups. This implies no sale of parts of the living human body. No price can be put on any of the elements, cells tissues, and organs of the human body nor may they be a source of profit.
5. Protect the biosphere from pollution, conserve natural resources, restore degraded environments. Analyse human activities which are causes of climatic changes; consider their prevention and the duties of those involved. Only collectively recognized responsabilities can form the basis of effective legislation, which must include obligations, prohibitions and sanctions.
6. Reduce the waste of energy and the use of fossil fuels; develop R&D which lead to renewable and safe forms of energy.
7. In this increasingly interactive world which is our planet, do not allow fatalistic acceptance of inequalities, plagues, famine, sickness, misery, or unemployment - sufferings which are often based on and associated with selfishness, ignorance, and violence.
8. Encourage control of demographic growth, both global and regional, by encouraging effective family planning that shows regard for human dignity.