Commission C2 WG Communicating Climate Change Through Astronomy

Description

The study of astronomy provides all citizens with a unique perspective and view of the Universe that highlights the fragility of Earth’s biosphere. Additionally, through comparative studies of planetary atmospheres, astronomers can model and measure the impact of greenhouse gasses and their consequences on climate and climate change on planets.[1]

Following the IAU call on the international astronomy community to develop and implement specific actions to help achieve the aims of the 2016 Paris Agreement [2] on climate change, the OAO and Commission C2 want to strongly encourage and support teaching and communicating about the Earth’s climate and the consequences of human activity, and we want to urge our national and individual members to address climate change in connection with their scientific, educational, outreach, and other societal activities.

With this C2 Working Group, we want to identify and bring together under Commission C2 the IAU members that wish to contribute with their expertise on climate change awareness by helping to identify resources for astronomers/communicators, that are willing to give talks to the general public (via Meet the Iau Astronomers! programme) and create presentations and give training to fellow astronomers.

[1] IAU Statement on Climate Change
[2] Paris Agreement