The Bridge: Connecting Science and Policy

November 14, 2016

Oil & Gas Issues Explored Through a Collaborative Lens

In today’s complex world, the biggest science and policy issues require a new approach to thinking. Scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, and legislators can no longer operate within their own circles. Meaningful results come from these groups working together in a collaborative process. The inaugural GeoPolicy Connect was a targeted effort to do just that. The event brought together people from different sectors – business leaders, centennial state lawmakers, federally focused …

November 9, 2016

STATEMENT ON THE 2016 U.S. ELECTIONS

This post originally appeared on the AGU blog From The Prow. The following statement is attributable to American Geophysical Union (AGU) Executive Director/CEO Christine McEntee. AGU represents more than 60,000 Earth and space scientists worldwide: “From the nation’s founding, science has been the backbone of America’s economy, security, and well-being, and the underpinning of our democracy. In the days and months ahead, AGU calls on our elected leaders to remember …

October 31, 2016

As GOES-R launches into space, will its data make it back to Earth?

The first in a new series of United States government weather satellites is scheduled to launch on 16 November. This satellite series is a substantial upgrade and will provide operational meteorologists a notable improvement in monitoring weather hazards as they evolve. The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R-Series (GOES-R) is a set of four satellites that will provide coverage over the Western Hemisphere for the next two decades. Compared to legacy …

October 10, 2016

Improving Science Literacy – from classroom to community

As part of Earth Science Week, we’ll be highlighting different leaders in the geosciences – from research to education and community outreach. We are posting Q&A’s on The Bridge asking geoscientists about the work they do. Today’s topic is Earth Science Literacy Day and our featured member is Jennifer Spirelli. Jennifer is currently the Assistant Principal in Somers Middle School in upstate New York. Could you summarize your job in a …

Earth Science Week is here!

It’s Earth Science Week! Each day this week AGU will be recognizing the efforts of a few members and how they contribute to the geosciences and science education. Thanks to the leadership of Senator Lisa Murkowski and the bill’s co-sponsors, a resolution recognizing Earth Science Week has already passed in the Senate. A similar resolution has been introduced in the House. Each day we will highlight a different geoscience focus; here’s a preview. Monday, …

August 26, 2016

Q & A with Tammy Dickinson, Principal Assistant Director for Environment & Energy at OSTP

Did you know? Today is Women’s Equality Day! To celebrate, AGU fearured several female scientists on social media throughout the week. We posted Q&A’s on The Bridge, asking geoscientists about career advice, the work they do, and why it’s important to get involved in science policy. Today’s featured scientist is Dr. Tamara Dickinson. Dr. Dickinson is the Principal Assistant Director for Environment and Energy at the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the …

August 18, 2016

Science Policy and the “Third Parties”

By George Marino, AGU Science Policy Intern I recently received a response to an article I shared on our Twitter account about the science policy positions of the Presidential candidates from the two major U.S. political parties. The person asked where a candidate from one of the other parties stood on the issues. So after some research, I can present the facts that I could find on what “third party” …

June 14, 2016

Congressman’s idea to privatize NWS forecasts gets icy reception among broadcast meteorologists.

By Dan Satterfield I’m hearing a lot of talk among my fellow forecasters about legislation (introduced by an Oklahoma congressman) that would privatize many forecast functions of the NWS. You might think that private sector meteorologists would support this, but almost every broadcast metr. I know has panned the idea. The quality of public weather forecasts is due to the cooperation between the public and private sector, and a survey of …

June 10, 2016

Space Weather Research and Forecasting Act Introduced to Senate

This blog post was written by Delores Knipp, Editor in Chief of AGU’s Space Weather and Space Weather Quarterly. To learn more about space weather, read Dr. Knipp’s previous post on the National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan. Space weather effects on technology-enabled societies were first reported in telegraph systems in the late 1840’s, with the Carrington storm of 1859 being a prime example. Furthermore, technologies developed within the last …

May 31, 2016

Geoscience research essential to national security, experts say

By Lauren Lipuma WASHINGTON, DC — Government investment in basic science research is critical to protecting U.S. national security, according to a group of government and academic researchers. Basic geoscience research has helped the U.S. develop nuclear weapons experts, protect satellites from space weather and manage critical water supplies, scientists said during a recent congressional briefing on Capitol Hill. The May 12 briefing highlighted national security as an important, but …