SF2A Environmental Transition Commission: What kind of astrophysics research for a sustainable world?

TL;DR

This paper discusses the French astrophysics community's efforts to align research practices with environmental sustainability, emphasizing awareness and proactive steps towards a more sustainable future in astronomy.

Contribution

It reports on the actions and discussions of the SF2A Environmental Transition Commission during their 2024 conference, highlighting community awareness and commitment to sustainability.

Findings

French astrophysics community recognizes environmental impact issues.

Community is eager to develop sustainable research practices.

Actions and discussions are shaping future policies for sustainability.

Abstract

During its annual conference in 2024, the French Society of Astronomy \& Astrophysics (SF2A) hosted, for the fourth time, a special session dedicated to discussing the environmental transition within the French astrophysics research community. This year had a special context: both the CNRS-INSU and the CNES were preparing their scientific perspectives for the period 2025-2030 in the field of Astronomy-Astrophysics (AA). In this proceeding, we first describe the main actions undertaken by the Commission Transition Environnementale. Then, we summarize the discussions held during the half-day workshop, which brought together about 100 participants, and point to forthcoming proceeding, reports and other related resources. A key message is that the French A\&A community is now fully aware that astronomical activities simply cannot thrive indefinitely in the current situation, and seems now eager to seize the opportunity of developing our profession towards a better social and environmental impact.