I issued the following statement earlier today in response to President Donald Trump’s Executive Order to overhaul the Clean Power Plan: “The scientific consensus is clear; the climate is changing, humanity is the major influence, and some of the resulting impacts on society are likely to be severe. That’s why AGU’s climate science position statement, … Read more
Yesterday, Scott Pruitt, the newly installed head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), made a statement regarding climate change in answer to a question posed to him on a CNBC program. “I think that measuring with precision human activity on the climate is something very challenging to do and there’s tremendous disagreement about the degree … Read more
As some of the individuals nominated to lead the federal science agencies under President Trump start to be confirmed – with others likely to be confirmed in coming weeks, AGU stands ready to work with them and offer our expertise and the expertise of our members. That said, we acknowledge that some of the nominees … Read more
Over the past few weeks, many of you have expressed an interest in becoming more involved in science policy. We’ve discussed opportunities in the past for you to engage under a new Administration and Congress in “The Shifting Landscape of Science” post and this is another element of that effort. Each year, AGU weighs in on the … Read more
The presumed top two candidates for President Trump’s science advisor have been reported by several credible media organizations to characterize human-induced climate change as “a radical hypothesis,” “exaggerated,” and the product of “a cult.”* We urge From The Prow readers to sign and promote our petition to appoint an individual with a strong scientific background … Read more
UPDATE (5 February, 12:36 p.m.): I want to clarify – AGU’s position on the scientific consensus on climate change and the need for openness and transparency in science is firm. As we stated “while climate science knowledge is evolving, these reports do not change our fundamental understanding of climate change,” and “AGU remains committed to serving as a leader in data … Read more
If the thought had ever crossed my mind when I first joined AGU in 1990 that I might one day join its leadership, I would have dismissed it as highly unlikely. As a graduate student, I had imprinted on a community of soil scientists and ecologists. I attended my first AGU meeting to stand in … Read more
By Sam Mukasa, AGU Honors and Recognition Committee Chair Although we just wrapped up an exciting honors season recognizing 91 individuals at the 2016 Honors Ceremony and Banquet, it’s time to start nominating again. I hope you left the ceremony feeling inspired and energized by the accomplishments of your peers across AGU’s many disciplines and … Read more
By Eric Davidson, President, American Geophysical Union and Chris McEntee, Executive Director/CEO, American Geophysical Union: It has been said that our greatest fears lie in anticipation. Following the U.S election results this past November, many of AGU’s members are beset by fears of what might happen with regard to federal support for scientific research and … Read more
When I was child growing up in a small town in Western Pa., the stream water in our town was bright orange. We called it “Sulphur Creek.” It was colored due to the acid run off from the strip mines surrounding the town. Thanks to science, steps have been taken to clean that waterway. Yet, … Read more