AGU updates position statements on education, government support and the rights of scientists – The Bridge: Connecting Science and Policy

We are pleased to share that AGU is updating several position statements that provide vital guidance on issues central to the scientific community and society.

WATER position statements (created, reviewed, and approved by members with feedback and support from experts in related fields) are what enable AGU to take adaptive stances on important policy issues related to Earth and space sciences.

These statements are reviewed every four years by AGU Position Statement Committeeso they remain timely and effective. They are often cited by the media, policy makers and other scientific organizations. Members can propose new position statements whenever.

In early 2025, the AGU Position Statement Committee Recommended update to four statements:

1. The responsibilities and rights of scientists
2. Strong government investment in Earth and space science research is essential for a resilient and sustainable society
3. The importance of exploring Earth and space sciences (ESS) throughout the educational experience
4. Teaching climate change and evolution is essential to understanding our past and shaping our future

The committee also recommended combining the two education-focused statements into one, which will make it easier to advocate for Earth and space science education at all stages of learning. For the statement on the rights of scientists, they recommended only a minor update to ensure that all references and language are up to date.

AGU leadership, including the Council, nominated a diverse group of expert panelists to serve on the writing panels. The panels were formed in July and August and are now preparing updated draft statements that will be shared with the community for feedback later this year.

Following AGU’s formal process, drafts will undergo an open comment period from the AGU community, revisions by the drafting panel as necessary, and a final review by AGU. Position Statement CommitteeCouncil and Board before approval.

AGU encourages its members to be an active part of the position statement process, joining drafting panels and submitting comments on draft statements, as well as sharing Position statements published by AGU in general.

AGU 2025 Position Statement Committee:

Soumaya Belmecheri (President), University of Arizona

Bennett Bearden, Alabama Geological Survey

Carlos Nobre, Institute of Advanced Studies, University of São Paulo, Brazil

Ingvild Ombustveldt, IOM Law

Kasey White, Niskanen Center

The responsibilities and rights of scientists* –

Editorial committee

John Doherty (Panel Chair), Environmental Law Institute

Chris Marchesano, Climate Science Legal Defense Fund

CK (Tina) Gunsalus, University of Illinois

Mercedes Bustamonte, University of Brasilia

*Please note that this statement is only undergoing a minor update.

Strong government investment in Earth and space science research is essential for a resilient and sustainable society –

Editorial committee

Kei Koizumi (President), former White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

KL Akerlof, George Mason University

Jack Kaye, Earth.Space.Chem LLC

Kim Patten, University of Arizona

Christine Atieno Omuombo, Technical University of Kenya

Guopeng Liang – Yale University

The importance of exploring Earth and space sciences (ESS) throughout the educational experience and Teaching climate change and evolution is essential to understanding our past and shaping our future –

Editorial Committee:

Kristen St. John (President), James Madison University

Karen Cowe, Ten Threads

Diana Ibarra, Independent Schools Foundation Academy

Tara Ivanochko, University of British Columbia

Taormina (Tara) Lepore, Western Michigan University

Cheryl Manning, OrbWeaver Consulting, LLC

Michael Wysession, Washington University in St. Louis

Guang Zeng, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

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