Architecting Future Health: The Stakes of Science-Based Policy in the 2024 U.S. Election

Yesterday in Madison Square Park, I watched a mother and her three young children playing, full of laughter and boundless energy. The littlest one was just learning to walk, and his first steps were met with the mother’s patient encouragement. As we spoke, she shared that these children were her “miracles of science,” born through IVF—an opportunity made possible by decades of medical research and innovation. ???

This moment, set against the iconic New York skyline, brought home the deep impact of science on our daily lives and futures. Science is more than discovery; it’s the reason millions have access to life-saving treatments, the source of resilience in crises, and the foundation for a sustainable future. ?It’s what enables our children to thrive in a healthier, safer world.

?The upcoming U.S. election is not simply about politics but about a choice for a future built on science, integrity, and global leadership. The Biden-Harris administration, through measures like the Inflation Reduction Act, has worked to safeguard scientific integrity and align environmental policy with public health. This $1 trillion investment into clean energy is more than an economic initiative; it’s a policy for healthier lives, less pollution, and reduced respiratory issues. Science-driven policies like these lead to measurable improvements, from cleaner air, conquering cancer and obesity, to lower healthcare costs, and set a standard for the world to follow.

?Under the previous Trump administration, however, we saw a different approach: sidelining scientific expertise, withdrawing from global health collaborations, and dismantling environmental protections. The actions taken by Trump, from 2017 to 2021 (documented here) showed us what happens when governance ignores evidence and congress leaves a President to govern without the context of the people’s voice being fairly represented.

??Disregarding scientific guidance on climate change, environmental regulations, and healthcare.

?? Downplaying climate and environmental risks.

??Scaling back emissions standards and protections, affecting resilience against extreme weather events.

?? Suggesting unconventional COVID-19 treatments, raising concerns about the administration's approach to public health.

?Withdrawing from the World Health Organization amid a global pandemic and the Paris Climate Agreement, distancing the U.S. from critical scientific and diplomatic collaboration.

??Curtailing the autonomy of agencies like the EPA, pressuring them to align with political narratives rather than independent scientific standards.

??Creating an ecosystem of blame and cronyism, sowing fear of retaliation, and attempting to bully the scientific community by threatening their funding.

?Scientific voices in pandemic response were stifled, undermining public trust.?

This erosion of scientific standards has lasting consequences. A second term under the Trump model could mean setbacks in healthcare, environmental resilience, and the collaborative spirit that underpins global innovation. America’s scientists have long worked alongside international peers to address shared challenges, from climate change to pandemics. Shifting away from science-based policies jeopardizes these partnerships, weakening our global leadership and response to crises.

At its heart, this election is a decision about the future we want for our children. Science has driven our progress and transformed lives. It provides the framework for international alliances that protect us all, fosters sustainable innovation?and guides us toward uncharted frontiers. A future led by science will drive long-term economic resilience, global partnerships, and discoveries that define our era.

When we choose leaders who respect evidence, value sustainability, and protect public health,?we’re investing in a prosperous, healthier world. Our reputation for scientific truth barely survived the first Trump administration. Without a commitment to science and collaboration, reaching new frontiers in health, climate, and technology will remain mere fantasy.

The children playing in the park yesterday deserve a future shaped by truth, integrity, and a shared commitment to progress. This election holds that choice.?

?Vote with their future in mind.

To read the summary conclusion of the scientific community - read Nature, 28 October 2024. "The world needs a US President who respects evidence"

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