[Boston, MA—January 29, 2024] U.S. and international scientific associations will join with high-profile media outlets to sign a pledge of cooperation aimed at ensuring climate change-related communications are scientifically accurate, accessible, and actionable. The signing will take place Tuesday, January 30, during a special Presidential Session (10:45 a.m. to noon Eastern) at the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) in Baltimore, Maryland.
The “Global Climate Science-Media Action Pledge” was developed by AMS and EarthX. It affirms that climate change is real, dangerous, and already causing damage, that climate change is a top priority for the signatory organizations, and that the signatories will work together to support, disseminate, and communicate science-based information and solutions to all stakeholders, including the general public.
“Tackling the challenges of climate change requires participation across all of society, yet in today’s information environment, it can be difficult to distinguish what claims are evidence-based,” says AMS President Brad Colman. “Scientific associations have the evidence and the ongoing research, but it’s not enough for us to know. We need to work more closely with the media so that people everywhere not only get access to the information we have, but understand its value and limitations. We are heartened to see that nearly 30 globally leading professional societies and media organizations from Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America have already committed to the pledge, and we expect to welcome additional signatories as this movement for science-based climate communications gains steam.”
“In the face of unprecedented environmental challenges, media plays a pivotal role in informing the public and encouraging a collective responsibility towards a sustainable future," said Dan Russell, CEO of EarthxTV. “We’re proud to join AMS and all the signatories on this pledge. When we talk about climate change, we've got to be spot-on with the science — it's how we help people understand what's at stake and what we can do about it."
Along with the signing of the pledge, the Presidential Session will feature speakers from the AMS, EarthX, NOAA, Accuweather, the American Geosciences Institute (AGI), and the Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) discussing solutions to address the gap between climate science and public knowledge (the AMS, EarthX, Accuweather, AGI, and RMetS are all among the signatories on the pledge). The AMS and EarthX will also sign a bilateral partnership agreement with the aim of working closely together on weather and climate communications.
About the AMS 104th Annual Meeting
The American Meteorological Society’s Annual Meeting brings together thousands of weather, water, and climate scientists, professionals, and students from across the United States and the world. Taking place 28 January to 1 February, 2024 at the Baltimore Convention Center, the AMS 104th Annual Meeting will explore the latest scientific and professional advances in areas from renewable energy to space weather, weather and climate extremes, environmental health, and more. In addition, cross-cutting interdisciplinary sessions will explore the theme of Living in a Changing Environment , especially the role of the weather, water, and climate enterprise in helping improve society’s response to climate and environmental change. The Annual Meeting will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center, with online/hybrid participation options. Free registration is available for certified members of the press . Learn more at annual.ametsoc.org .
About the American Meteorological Society
The American Meteorological Society advances the atmospheric and related sciences, technologies, applications, and services for the benefit of society. Founded in 1919, AMS has a membership of around 12,000 professionals, students, and weather enthusiasts. AMS publishes 12 atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic science journals—in print and online; sponsors more than 12 conferences annually; and offers numerous programs and services. Visit us at https://www.ametsoc.org/ .
About EarthX
EarthX, a brand under the umbrella of Earth Day Texas Inc., was established in 2010 as a 501(c)(3) organization, initially focused on supporting Earth Day festivities in Dallas. Since its inception, EarthX has evolved into a prominent international nonprofit and a leading global environmental entity. Our overarching mission is to cultivate environmental awareness, promote education, and ignite a fervor for sustainable practices among individuals and organizations, propelling us collectively towards a more eco-conscious future.
At the forefront of our initiatives, EarthX spearheads EarthxTV, a groundbreaking 24/7 linear television network committed to captivating and enlightening audiences worldwide. Broadcasting in over 60 million homes internationally, our reach extends far and wide. Headquartered in the vibrant city of Dallas, Texas, EarthX Media Inc. is dedicated to weaving together the threads of environmental consciousness.
Explore the impactful work we do at EarthX by visiting EarthX.org, and join the conversation on Instagram and Facebook by following @earthxorg.