Science & Technology
Thu, November 6, 2025
Why Neil deGrasse Tyson says we're falling into science illiteracy
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Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 11:39 GMT by Los Angeles Daily News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Why Neil de Grasse Tyson Says We’re Falling Into Science Illiteracy
In a striking address delivered last week at the National Academy of Sciences’ annual meeting, astrophysicist and popular science communicator Neil de Grasse Tyson warned that America is slipping deeper into a “science illiteracy” crisis. Tyson, who has long championed science literacy through his planetarium work, his podcast “StarTalk,” and his social‑media presence, described the decline as a “silent pandemic” that threatens to undermine public policy, economic competitiveness, and even the health of the planet.
The Evidence Behind the Alarm
Tyson drew on a variety of sources to back his concerns. He cited a recent National Academies of Sciences report, “Science Literacy in the Age of Disinformation,” which found that only 15 % of adults score at a level that would allow them to make informed decisions about complex scientific topics such as climate change, vaccines, or artificial intelligence. The report noted that the decline has accelerated over the past decade, coinciding with a rise in partisan “science” messaging and the rapid spread of misinformation on social media platforms.
In addition, Tyson referenced a Pew Research Center survey published in 2024 that showed a steady decline in high‑school students’ interest in STEM subjects. According to the survey, only 18 % of 9‑ to 12‑year‑olds expressed strong enthusiasm for science classes, compared with 32 % a decade earlier. The data suggest that the pipeline feeding scientists and engineers is eroding at a time when the nation’s economy increasingly depends on advanced technologies.
Tyson’s Call to Action
“Science is a tool,” Tyson said, “and if we stop using it, we’re essentially handing the control of our future to those who don’t care about evidence.” He urged the scientific community to engage more proactively with the public, to make science “tangible, relevant, and relatable.” Tyson proposed a multipronged strategy:
- Enhanced STEM Curriculum – Incorporating inquiry‑based learning and real‑world problem solving into school curricula.
- Digital Literacy Campaigns – Partnering with tech companies to help users spot misinformation and evaluate sources.
- Citizen Science Initiatives – Encouraging the public to participate in data collection and analysis, thereby demystifying science.
- Policy Advocacy – Working with lawmakers to increase funding for science education and research.
He also stressed the role of media. “The media should not be the only gatekeeper of scientific knowledge,” Tyson said. “We need to build a new ecosystem where accurate, accessible science content is as readily available as entertainment.”
How the Media Is Responding
Tyson’s speech prompted a flurry of commentary across the media. A New York Times op‑ed titled “The Quiet Crisis of Scientific Ignorance” echoed his warning, arguing that the current political climate has fostered a “culture of mistrust” toward experts. The op‑ed cited a 2023 study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), which found that 44 % of Americans distrust scientific advice when it conflicts with their political identity.
The Washington Post ran a feature story, “From Mars to the Pandemic: How Science Illiteracy Is Spreading,” that traced the link between the public’s misunderstanding of COVID‑19 data and the subsequent spread of vaccines. The piece highlighted Tyson’s own testimony before Congress, where he explained how a lack of scientific literacy can directly lead to public health crises.
A Look at the Global Context
Tyson did not limit his concerns to the United States. He referenced UNESCO’s 2025 report on global science literacy, which notes that even in developed countries, science literacy rates have stagnated. UNESCO’s report emphasizes the need for “inclusive science communication that reaches diverse audiences across socioeconomic divides.”
He also pointed out the stark differences in science education between countries. A study from the Journal of International Education found that nations like Finland and South Korea, which have invested heavily in teacher training and science curricula, enjoy higher science literacy scores and are more likely to adopt evidence‑based policies.
Conclusion: A Call for Collective Responsibility
Neil de Grasse Tyson’s address serves as a stark reminder that science literacy is not a static skill set but a dynamic cultural asset. He warned that without urgent action, the United States could find itself at a disadvantage in a world where scientific understanding is increasingly pivotal to solving climate change, managing pandemics, and navigating technological advancements.
As Tyson concluded, “If we don’t act now, the next generation will inherit a world where the line between fact and fiction is blurred.” He urged educators, policymakers, journalists, and citizens alike to take responsibility for rekindling a love for inquiry and evidence. The next decade will test whether society can reverse the trend of science illiteracy and secure a future where reason and curiosity guide our collective choices.
Read the Full Los Angeles Daily News Article at:
[ https://www.dailynews.com/2025/11/06/why-neil-degrasse-tyson-says-were-falling-into-science-illiteracy/ ]
