Scientists have called for a substantial new investment in climate modeling to increase the accuracy, precision, and reliability of climate predictions. One group of authors stresses that concepts of reductionism and emergence will aid policy makers by helping to illuminate some uncertainties. Another group of authors questions whether better predictions, if even attainable, are needed; they argue instead that resources might be better spent in helping society adapt to the likely spectrum of climate-induced outcomes.

As published in Eos:

Do We Need Better Predictions to Adapt to a Changing Climate? By S. Dessai et al.

Predicting Climate Change: Lessons From Reductionism, Emergence, and the Past By S. Harrison and D. Stainforth

A group of 26 early career atmospheric scientists suggests that scientific funding agencies around the world create and contribute to a common fund to support global environmental change research and allow the most efficient use of resources available. The group notes that although the organizational infrastructure for global research coordination exists, funding is managed by national and regional agencies individually, with increasing emphasis on local concerns.

As published in Eos.

The AGU Statutes and Bylaws Committee was asked to examine the present system of AGU governance and organization, and to make recommendations for changes, if any seem warranted. Given the importance of this issue, the Statutes and Bylaws Committee is soliciting comments from the AGU membership on their conclusions about the consistency of the present AGU structure with the principles mentioned in their recent article.

As published in Eos.

Noting that there is some evidence for the existence of comparatively large ultralow-frequency magnetic field fluctuations preceding earthquakes with magnitudes M ~ 7 or greater, the author expresses concern that there is no U.S. federal program in the Earth sciences to obtain additional measurements using equipment appropriately located. He also notes that if the signals are emerging from more general Earth processes, measurements could provide new information about those processes and the Earth’s interior.

As published in Eos

AGU’s current position statement on data preservation and availability was first adopted in 1997. It has been reaffirmed several times, but it has not undergone a revision since its initial acceptance. A panel has been assembled to revise the statement. The panel is charged with addressing the full range of data issues that are affecting Earth and space scientists globally. AGU members are being asked to provide comments to be considered in updating this policy statement.

As published in Eos | Position statement | Procedures for Developing Union Positions

Understanding passive margins—thick accumulations of sediments built above the juncture between continental and oceanic crusts—has far-reaching economic and societal implications related to hydrocarbon reserves, carbon dioxide sequestration, natural hazards, and other concerns. However, the author indicates that as presently envisioned, the U.S. National Science Foundation’s EarthScope initiative to explore the four-dimensional structure of the North American continent will not study U.S. passive margins. The author calls on the U.S. geoscientific community to discuss how best to reconfigure existing geoscientific initiatives to help Earthscope study passive margins.

As published in Eos

AGU’s current position statement on understanding climate was adopted in 2003. The charge to the panel that is considering an update to this position reiterates the need for consideration of the growing body of scientific evidence and asks that the panel include information that reflects the scientific progress that has occurred in the past 4 years on this subject. AGU members may provide comments for consideration by the panel via this online discussion.

As published in Eos | Position Statement | Procedures for Developing Union Positions

The panel considering updates to this position statement has been asked to review recent scientific progress in our understanding of natural hazards. The panel will also be considering evidence on how human activities may have made our society even more vulnerable to the impacts of natural hazards. AGU members are invited to provide comments to be considered in updating this policy statement.

As published in Eos | Position Statement | Procedures for Developing Union Positions

Since 1981 AGU has vigorously supported the teaching of evolution in the classroom and has opposed all efforts to require or promote teaching any religious tenet as science. Within this basic policy framework, AGU members are invited to provide comments that may be taken into consideration by the panel who is charged with providing an update of this position statement. Among other issues, the panel has been asked to reflect on the centrality of evolution and how it can be emphasized as a major unifying concept in the understanding of our planet.

As published in Eos | Position Statement | Procedures for Developing Union Positions

What is it like to work at the U.S. National Science Foundation as a program director? Is this something you are contemplating? Many consider temporary service as a “rotator” at NSF the best way to learn about how NSF works and to experience directly how scientists contribute to the process of funding and charting new research programs and directions. If you have questions, or other perspectives to add to the ones expressed in this Forum article, please contribute these to the on-line forum on being a rotator at NSF.

As published in Eos.