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

AGU position statements — created, revised and approved by members with feedback and support from experts in related fields — are what enable AGU to take adaptive stances on significant policy issues related to the Earth and space sciences.

These statements are reviewed every four years by the AGU Position Statement Committee, ensuing they remain timely and effective. They are often cited by media, policymakers and other scientific organizations. Members can propose new position statements at any time.

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

1. The Responsibilities and Rights of Scientists
2. Robust Government Investment in Earth and Space Science Research is Essential for a Resilient, Sustainable Society
3. The Importance of Exploring Earth and Space Science (ESS) Throughout the Educational Experience
4. Teaching Climate Change and Evolution is Essential to Understand our Past and Shape our Future

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

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

Following AGU’s formal process, the drafts will undergo an open AGU community comment period, revisions by the writing panel as needed and a final review by the AGU Position Statement Committee, Council and Board before approval. 

AGU encourages its membership to be an active part of the position statement process, by joining writing panels and submitting comments on draft statements, as well as sharing AGU’s published position statements broadly.

 

AGU Position Statement Committee 2025:

Soumaya Belmecheri (Chair), University of Arizona

Bennett Bearden, Geological Survey of Alabama

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* –

Writing Committee

John Doherty (Chair of panel), Environmental Law Institute

Chris Marchesano, Climate Science Legal Defense Fund

C.K. (Tina) Gunsalus, University of Illinois

Mercedes Bustamonte, University of Brasilia

*Note that this statement is undergoing a minor update only

 

Robust Government Investment in Earth and Space Science Research is Essential for a Resilient, Sustainable Society –

Writing Committee

Kei Koizumi (Chair), 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 Science (ESS) Throughout the Educational Experience and Teaching Climate Change and Evolution is Essential to Understand our Past and Shape our Future –

Writing Committee:

Kristen St. John (Chair), James Madison University

Karen Cowe, Ten Strands

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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