Astronomy in a Low-Carbon Future

TL;DR

This paper discusses how the field of astronomy can adapt to and lead efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing responsible practices and communication amidst climate change challenges.

Contribution

It proposes strategies for the astronomy community to reduce its carbon footprint and serve as a responsible communicator on climate issues.

Findings

Astronomy relies heavily on travel, which impacts carbon emissions.

Long-range planning can help coordinate climate-responsible actions.

Astronomy can lead by example in climate responsibility.

Abstract

The global climate crisis poses new risks to humanity, and with them, new challenges to the practices of professional astronomy. Avoiding the more catastrophic consequences of global warming by more than 1.5 degrees requires an immediate reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. According to the 2018 United Nations Intergovernmental Panel report, this will necessitate a 45% reduction of emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Efforts are required at all levels, from the individual to the governmental, and every discipline must find ways to achieve these goals. This will be especially difficult for astronomy with its significant reliance on conference and research travel, among other impacts. However, our long-range planning exercises provide the means to coordinate our response on a variety of levels. We have the opportunity to lead by example, rising to the challenge rather than reacting to external constraints. We explore how astronomy can meet the challenge of a changing climate in clear and responsible ways, such as how we set expectations (for ourselves, our institutions, and our granting agencies) around scientific travel, the organization of conferences, and the design of our infrastructure. We also emphasize our role as reliable communicators of scientific information on a problem that is both human and planetary in scale.