EGU has watched with concern as the new administration in the USA has been taking extreme actions at an unprecedented scale with regards to scientific research, especially climate science and environmental research, that could prove harmful for people all around the world. As our American sibling societies the American Geophysical Union (AGU), the Geological Society of America (GSA), the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) and other organisations take steps to protect their members and the invaluable research they are conducting, we want to firmly voice our support for them and all their members in this challenging time.

EGU President Peter van der Beek said “When scientific activity anywhere in the world is restricted by governments it is a tragedy that affects us all, but when that nation was previously a source of leadership and resources for many pioneering research programs, the impact of that loss is felt especially widely. As a European-based organisation with a global membership, we want to firmly express our support for all those within, but also beyond the scientific community, who have been affected by these actions.”

For anyone impacted by the recent changes, the AGU has set up a resources page that includes support services, AGU initiatives, and the latest news on the U.S. Administration’s activities; has joined a legal action supporting fired federal workers; and is hosting a new application tool for U.S. researchers to self-nominate for the IPCC process. The AGI has produced a useful policy document on ‘Critical Needs’ for US policymakers. The GSA has significantly expanded its career resources and has introduced the Impact Support Assistance programme, which provides financial aid on a case-by-case basis to assist its members attend GSA Section Meetings and pay their membership fees.

EGU also has support schemes in place to foster scientific publications and facilitate participation in our conferences, including a number of fee-waiver availablities for Early Career Scientists and economically-disadvantaged members of the community. Through our direct contact with European policymakers as well as through the Initiative for Science in Europe, we will continue to support and defend science that addresses key societal and environmental challenges, promoting the highest standards of scientific integrity, open science and open access research.

EGU invites geoscience organisations around the world to join us to offer their unequivocal support to all their fellow American scientific societies.

The European Geosciences Union (EGU) is the leading organisation for Earth, planetary and space science research in Europe. With our partner organisations worldwide, we foster fundamental geoscience research, alongside applied research that addresses key societal and environmental challenges. Our vision is to realise a sustainable and just future for humanity and for the planet. We publish a number of diverse scientific journals, which use an innovative open access format, and organise topical meetings, and education and outreach activities.