White House held ‘Indigenous Knowledge’ talk in Egypt

Biden’s Support for Pseudoscience Goes International

The Biden administration recently hosted a captivating lecture in Egypt that delved into the intriguing concept of “indigenous knowledge.”​ This theory suggests that Native ⁣Americans possess hidden wisdom solely based on their ethnicity. Internal documents obtained by the Washington Free Beacon shed light on this pseudoscientific event.

The lecture, which took place at the United⁣ Nations Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh in November 2022, featured Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, an inspiring Chadian activist. Ibrahim passionately discussed how alternative methods of knowledge often surpass data-driven ​science. To support her argument, she shared a​ fascinating anecdote about her grandmother’s ability to predict rain more accurately than ​a weather app.

“I’m,‍ like, I’m so sorry you went​ to the school for maybe‌ for 20 years to get your Ph.D.s,” Ibrahim said. “My grandmother was​ born on‍ those [sic] knowledge, she got it⁢ from her own⁤ grand-grand-grand-mother. ⁣It is hundreds and thousands of years of knowledge.”

The White House ‍Office of Science and Technology Policy organized Ibrahim’s lecture, as revealed by records obtained through a Freedom ‌of Information Act request.⁣ Notably, two senior White House officials, Council on ⁤Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory ⁤and Director of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs Director Wahleah Johns, also ⁤spoke at the event.

Ibrahim’s speech⁢ contained several peculiar and erroneous statements. At the beginning of the lecture, she claimed that “technology” had only existed for “maybe some hundred years.”

“I think indigenous people’s knowledge, we have to understand, comes from thousands and thousands of years. As ⁣science, less ⁢than [sic] thousand years,” she said.

Ibrahim further asserted that “scientific knowledge” ​cannot provide the same level of accuracy as “indigenous knowledge.”

Despite concerns raised by scientists and academics, American activists ‍who share Ibrahim’s belief in the superiority of “traditional ways of‌ knowing” have successfully influenced the Biden administration to incorporate “indigenous knowledge” into the federal rulemaking process. According to the Free Beacon, this concept now carries equal weight in policy evaluations as the scientific method.

In the same month as Ibrahim’s lecture, the Office of​ Science and Technology Policy issued a memo directing more than two dozen federal‌ agencies to integrate indigenous knowledge into their “research, ‍policies, and decision making.”

While there ⁣is no universally agreed-upon definition of “indigenous knowledge,” it generally refers to​ the folk wisdom and creation stories within various native communities.

President Joe Biden’s decision to elevate the⁣ Office of Science and Technology Policy to​ a cabinet-level⁣ agency on his first day in office emphasizes the importance of science to his administration. As reported by the Washington Post, this move signifies a commitment to grounding everything in science, facts, and truth.

How does the assertion that indigenous knowledge‍ surpasses data-driven science potentially undermine the credibility ​of scientific ‍research and evidence-based decision-making?

By the‌ Washington Free Beacon. The event aimed to highlight the importance of including indigenous knowledge in policy-making decisions regarding climate change. However, the promotion of indigenous knowledge in such a manner raises concerns ‍about⁤ the‌ Biden administration’s endorsement of pseudoscience.

Pseudoscience refers to theories or beliefs that claim to be scientific but lack ⁤empirical evidence and are not supported by​ established scientific principles. While it is crucial to ⁣recognize and respect the unique cultures and traditions ‍of different communities, it ⁣is equally important to differentiate between cultural practices and scientific facts.

The assertion that indigenous knowledge surpasses data-driven science risks undermining the credibility of scientific research and evidence-based decision-making. Science, by its nature, relies on observation, experimentation, and‌ rigorous analysis to arrive at objective conclusions. Dismissing these principles in‌ favor of subjective anecdotes and unverified claims hinders progress and can lead to misguided policies.

The example of Ibrahim’s grandmother’s rain prediction skills cannot be equated with the methods and ⁤techniques used by weather apps or meteorological experts. Weather forecasting ⁢relies on ‍advanced scientific ⁣models ⁤that consider various⁣ atmospheric variables and historical data. While it⁢ is admirable that Ibrahim’s grandmother has passed down her knowledge through generations,​ it does not negate the need for accurate and reliable scientific methods.

Furthermore, the Biden administration’s endorsement ​of⁣ pseudoscience at an international conference sends a troubling message. As a global leader, the United States should prioritize reliable scientific research and evidence‌ when addressing pressing issues such as climate change. Embracing pseudoscientific theories not only undermines​ the credibility of the administration but ⁢also diminishes the importance‍ of scientific integrity and empirical evidence in international policy discussions.

It is​ essential‍ to ​recognize and value diverse cultural perspectives, but it is equally crucial to ensure that policy decisions are based on scientific evidence and rigorous analysis. To address the challenges posed by climate change, it is necessary to rely‍ on‍ established scientific principles and advancements in research. Ignoring this knowledge ‌in favor of pseudoscience can hinder progress and jeopardize efforts ⁣to mitigate⁣ the effects of climate change.

The Biden administration’s support for pseudoscience is deeply concerning, especially when it extends to international platforms.‌ As leaders in the global community, it is crucial for‍ policymakers to uphold the highest standards of scientific integrity and evidence-based decision-making. By promoting pseudoscientific theories under the guise of cultural preservation, the administration risks undermining the credibility of scientific research​ and ‍shifting the focus away from the urgent need for evidence-based solutions.

To effectively address the challenges of climate change and other pressing global issues, policymakers must ⁤prioritize scientific research and evidence over‌ pseudoscientific beliefs. International conferences should serve as platforms for informed discussions based on rigorous scientific analysis, ensuring that decisions are grounded in reality and have a positive impact on global communities.

The Biden administration must reevaluate its stance on pseudoscience and reaffirm its commitment to evidence-based decision-making. By doing so, the administration can regain trust in its commitment to⁢ scientific integrity and ‍promote policies that are rooted ‌in objective, verifiable information. It is ‌crucial for ⁤the United States to lead by example and demonstrate a strong ⁢dedication to scientific research and evidence-based policymaking on both domestic and international fronts.

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