- Godacre’s discussion of information literacy is a link between the two. Both are concerned with critical evaluation. Information literacy means the ability to effectively find, assess, and utilize information ethically. Godacre is referring to the need to be able to evaluate and critically assess scientific research in light of numerous examples of flawed science published and made public. It is important to understand how science works and to recognize when it has been biased or altered to suit a particular purpose.
- Glyphosate-cancer connection is an example of this type of research being “spun” to suit a purpose. Glyphosate (the active ingredient of Roundup’s herbicide) was declared a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in 2015. However, other agencies such as the European Chemical Agency (ECA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency did not find any evidence that Glyphosate was carcinogenic. IARC classified glyphosate based only a small number of studies, and neglected evidence from many more. Some groups used the classification to support the ban on glyphosate, and to hold companies that produce glyphosate products liable in cases of cancer. While the IARC changed their classification of Glyphosate from “probable to carcinogenic” later, the IARC recognized that the damage was already done by the widespread media coverage and dissemination of information about the link between glyphosate and cancer.
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