AAS 248 Special Session: What Astronomers Can Do About Climate Change: Infrastructure, Education, and Communication

If you’re attending the 248th AAS meeting in Pasadena, California, and are curious about the role astronomers can play in addressing our changing climate, you may be interested in the AAS Sustainability Committee's Special Session on Tuesday, 16 June, at 10:00 am PT.

Global climate change is one of the most pressing scientific and societal issues of our time. Astronomers are uniquely positioned to engage with our students and the public about this topic given the breadth of public interest astronomy receives and the novel perspectives we provide. The AAS Sustainability Committee invites all AAS members to attend this Special Session, where we will present on: (1) the high carbon footprint of astronomy as a field, (2) how Pasadena is transitioning to clean energy and how astronomical facilities can do the same, (3) practical and interactive methods for teaching climate-change content in introductory astronomy classes, (4) research-backed effective strategies for communicating about climate change to a range of audiences, and (5) resources to improve your own and your students' knowledge and sense of self-efficacy around climate change.

This session will include material from members of the AAS Sustainability Committee and from a representative of Pasadena's public service utility, alongside interactive activities with fellow attendees, open forum discussion, and Q&A time.