The thousands of presentations at this ACS National Meeting exemplify one of the many ways scientists converse among themselves about recent advances in science. However, very little effort is devoted to conversations that we should have with the general public about our research and technology and their consequences. Don’t we have a responsibility to help our fellow citizens understand what science and technology can and cannot do for them? Communicating the science of climate change provides one example where the ACS and its members must do more—much more. Climate change affects everyone, so everyone should understand why the climate is changing and what it means for them, their children, and generations to follow. ACS members already belong to groups that can facilitate this communication: neighborhoods, school boards, religious groups, service clubs, political organizations, and so on. These groups present opportunities to engage in respectful conversations on climate change and on the policies and actions that individuals, communities, and nations might take to mitigate and adapt to what is happening to our planet. As scientists-citizens, we must live the ACS mission of “advancing the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and its people.”

Global warming is unequivocal: We must learn how to communicate the science of climate change to ourselves and also to non-science audiences

255th National Meeting (2018)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.