on certainty

At a recent conference I attended, scientists complained that decision makers want 100% certainty when it comes to forecasts of climate change and associated impacts, or else, they say, they can't make decisions. But who's actually using that argument? The decision makers with an interest in the status quo abuse it to take no action. In it lies an illegitimate running away from responsibility, shifting the political burden to science. If they were really looking for more certainty, they should put their money where their mouth is to get it. It's their job to either fund the research that can reduce the uncertainties or take responsibility for not taking action.