Scientists and Agenda Setting

Abstract

This chapter discusses the role of scientists in the early stages of the policy process of agenda setting by analyzing science narratives offered for acid rain and climate change. Current theoretical approaches to the study of agenda-setting activities are presented with an introduction to tools that are used by scholars studying agenda setting. An analysis of the consequences of science narratives for acid rain and climate change explains that science narratives for these issues were accepted by Congress and the news media. The impact of scientists’ policy views on policy developments around acid rain and climate change are discussed. Science narratives were accepted as an appropriate framing issue for acid rain and climate change, following the creation of federal research programs in the United States.