#Sweden #Gothenburg #Climate Change #Naomi Oreskes #Volvo Environment Prize

Naomi Oreskes Recognized with the 2025 Volvo Environment Prize

Harvard University's Naomi Oreskes, a distinguished earth scientist and historian, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Volvo Environment Prize in recognition of her significant contributions to understanding the intricate relationship between science and climate change. Oreskes, who serves as the Henry Charles Lea Professor of the History of Science at Harvard and is also affiliated with the Earth and Planetary Sciences department, is celebrated for her influential work that highlights the evolution of scientific thought and consensus regarding climate issues.

Oreskes's career began in geology, but she soon shifted her focus to the history of science, a path that led her to join Harvard in 2013 after a long tenure at UCLA. The university, known for its legacy in the history of science since its establishment in 1636, has been a platform for critical thinkers like Copernicus and Galileo, who laid the groundwork for modern scientific approach.

Her book, Merchants of Doubt (2010), critically examines how misinformation has shaped public perception of science, particularly regarding climate change. In it, she draws parallels between past and present public debates, notably the strategies used by the tobacco industry to undermine scientific facts linking smoking to severe health risks. This meticulous research underscores a troubling pattern where scientific truths are dismissed or manipulated for various agendas.

As a key voice in climate science, Oreskes argues that the debate over whether human activities contribute to climate change is resolved. A vast majority of scientists agree on the human influence on the planet's changing climate, contrary to the misinformation that often clouds public discourse. She emphasizes that the reliability of science is not merely due to methodologies employed but rather through rigorous peer scrutiny and validation of scientific claims.

In her perspective, the discussion around climate change has advanced significantly, yet she stresses the urgent need for adaptation research. Despite acknowledging past failures to act timely on climate warnings, Oreskes remains optimistic about the public's trust in science, citing polls indicating a healthy level of confidence among people worldwide. This perception remains vital as societies confront increasingly complex environmental challenges.

The Volvo Environment Prize's jury stated, "Naomi Oreskes stands as a leading figure in the contemporary history and philosophy of science, influencing our understanding of how scientific knowledge is communally constructed and addressing the misinformation challenges in public discussions." The prize, awarded for 36 years, has become one of the most esteemed recognitions in environmental science.

Scheduled for a ceremony on December 11, 2025, in Stockholm, Sweden, the award will be coupled with a seminar focusing on sustainable practices and the future of science in addressing environmental changes. The Volvo Group, which has committed to fostering sustainable transportation and infrastructure solutions since its foundation in 1927, highlights the importance of such recognitions in promoting environmental awareness and action.

In conclusion, Naomi Oreskes’s recognition by the Volvo Environment Prize is not only a testament to her individual accomplishments but also a rallying call for the scientific community to continue advocating for truth and action in the face of climate adversity. Through her work, she continues to inspire a generation of scientists and policymakers to pursue evidence-based solutions in our ever-evolving relationship with the environment.