The social sciences are an essential part of scientific knowledge.

At CLACSO, our commitment to science is based on rigorous research, supported by methodologies widely recognized and validated by the international academic community. All sciences, as well as the social sciences and humanities, offer fundamental tools for understanding the complexities of global phenomena such as climate change, which has not only environmental impacts, but also social, economic, and gender-related ones.

We find it particularly concerning that a scientific authority like the head of Argentina's National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Daniel Salamone, has recently questioned the validity of studying fundamental issues such as climate change. It is important to remember that a great deal of scientific research, including much in the social sciences and humanities, contributes evidence-based analyses and solutions to address complex problems. Questioning its relevance demonstrates a lack of understanding of the comprehensive nature of science and the social impact of many phenomena, including climate change.

Specifically, the link between gender and climate change has been extensively documented in the scientific literature. Numerous studies have demonstrated how the effects of climate change exacerbate gender inequalities, disproportionately impacting women and vulnerable communities, with a differential impact on women's health. Ignoring these social dimensions constitutes not only a scientific error but also an ethical omission in the search for comprehensive and sustainable solutions.

In relation to the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” an initiative of the 2015 UN General Assembly, éHaysta is presented as a global framework for addressing the most pressing challenges of our time, including poverty eradication, gender equality, and climate action. These goals are based on extensive scientific evidence and are the result of an international consensus that reflects the urgent priorities of our global society.

Therefore, at CLACSO we continue to promote a critical social science, which not only aligns with the available evidence, but is also committed to building a fairer and more sustainable world.

Executive Secretariat of CLACSO and
Representatives of the member centers in Argentina
15 2024 August