Do you think scientists have an ethical obligation to speak out when a problem seems so severe

Yes, when a problem is severe or harmful, scientists are ethically and legally obliged to speak out.

Scientific experiments and testing are vital processes that lead to innovations, medicines, procedures, etc., that better human life. While scientific testing is required before a medicine, product or procedure can implemented or introduced in the market, it is essential to stop or prevent further testing when a severe problem or harm arises at the experimental stage.

For instance, if a clinical experiment testing the effects of a new hair loss prevention drug finds that consumption of said drug causes severe nausea and dehydration, scientists must speak out or stop the experiment  to prevent further harm. A failure to prevent harm is both highly unethical and liable to legal consequences.

i'm thinking (a) to keep sand in place; ////////////

explanation: a sand fence or sandbreak, like a snow fence, is used to force windblown, drifting sand to accumulate in a desired place. sand fences are employed to control erosion, sand dune stabilization, keep sand off roadways, and to recruit new material in desert areas.