[Boston, MA—January 17, 2024] The American Meteorological Society (AMS) will open its 104th Annual Meeting with a Presidential Forum on how to advance society’s acceptance and use of climate science. Distinguished atmospheric scientist Dr. Kerry Emanuel will moderate a “fireside chat” with Monica Medina, President and CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Society and former Deputy Assistant Secretary at the State Department, and Bob Inglis, Executive Director of RepublicEn.org and former congressman from South Carolina. The Forum, with opening remarks by AMS President Brad Colman, will take place Sunday, 28 January, from 4 to 5:15 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time at the Baltimore Convention Center and will be livestreamed on the conference website.
The majority of U.S. adults see climate change as a major threat to the country, yet among both politicians and the public, the issue fails to receive priority attention. Climate science and scientists are often the subjects of misinformation and disinformation campaigns, as well as more personal attacks. New approaches may be needed to overcome these and other barriers that limit the reach and impact of climate science, and of science-based responses to environmental change.
“With climate and environmental change affecting society in dramatic and rapidly accelerating ways, climate science, and the professions that use it, are absolutely vital to surviving upheaval and building a future in which humans can thrive,” says Colman. “We are informing flood infrastructure planning, warning the public about changes in dangerous weather, studying how global climate change occurs, and a great deal more. In recognition of our meeting theme, ‘Living in a Changing Environment,’ I’m pleased to share the stage with two people who have important stories to tell about how we can help our science reach more people, overcome political barriers, and have greater impact.”
Read more about the AMS 2024 Presidential Forum.