Finnish Greens for Science and Technology in a nutshell

The Finnish Greens for Science and Technology (Viite) is a member association of the Finnish Greens, founded in 2008. The most important goal of the association is to advance political decision making based on scientific knowledge. Viite combines a green value system with the methods of scientific research.

With its activities, Viite aims to advance green values, such as protection of nature and the human environment, transformation towards sustainability, equality, social justice and tolerance. Viite is a feminist association.

Viite wishes to advance the use of objective and high quality research knowledge as the basis for decision making, realization of a citizen-oriented knowledge society, responsible employment of technology that advances the well-being of people and nature, and critical debate regarding the role of science and technology in society.

Earlier, research related to politics was mainly understood as social scientific, legal or economic research. Today also natural and behavioural sciences as well as technological research are required. Renewable energy, gene therapy or information security call for a completely new kind of expertise from decision makers. The members of Viite represent all sciences, from the humanities to engineering.

Viite is currently building an international collaborative network of people who wish to promote the use of scientific research and expert knowledge in political decision making. Please join us!

More information (in Finnish) about the Finnish Greens for Science and Technology is available at www.viite.fi, and about local associations, Green Economists and Green Humanists and Social Scientists here.

Everyone (also non-members) are welcome to discuss topical issues in the Viite Facebook group or on Twitter. You can also contact us by email at [email protected].

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Extract from the science policy program of Viite
The science policy program of Viite offers solutions to the current science crisis in Finland. The financing and autonomy of basic research must be secured, and the scientific community must have strong representation up to the level of the Finnish Government.

Statement of Principles
This statement of principles of the Finnish Greens for Science and Technology (Viite) reflects our shared green values from the point of view of science and technology. Viite is a feminist association promoting equality, human rights and the protection of nature.

GMO discussion paper
Genetically modified organisms (GMO), the related techniques and their employment are not separate from other phenomena in the world. They are tightly connected to the larger phenomena changing our food system. Rapidly changing climate and biodiversity collapse have already altered and will further change the basis of our food system. They will pose enormous challenges for humanity.

The fears associated with 5G technology are unfounded, while the benefits are undeniable
From time to time, concerns about the safety and environmental impact of 5G networks under construction are raised. There is also a lot of disinformation around the topic.

Blogs

Nuclear Q&A
In this document, we try to answer some common questions about nuclear energy based on the latest scientific information.

The sustainability of meat production is a myth
This article examines the environmental impacts of the production of animal-based foods in Finland in terms of biodiversity, climate change and water bodies, based on the latest research data.

So you want 10% return on capital for saving the world? What makes you so special?
Profitability of climate actions depends critically on the chosen discount rate. If the rate is high, it is very difficult to push forward projects whose benefits span over generations.

Expected returns on capital undermining climate action
Who has decided on such a goal and has anyone bothered to think whether or not it is consistent with climate goals? Why 10% and not say 7.3% or 13.5%? Is there any other reason for this than the simplicity of counting with 10 fingers?