Abstract

Invited Talk - Splinter Sustainability

Friday, 17 September 2021, 09:00   (virtual Sustain)

Introduction: Astronomy and Sustainability

Volker Ossenkopf-Okada
Universität zu Köln

The current system of human activity is destroying Earth's natural resources, including its climate system, in a fundamental way - foreseeably damaging human livelihood conditions in the not-so-far future. We astronomers have a particular responsibility, both from our above-average per-capita contribution to the developing climate catastrophe, but at the same time through our truly global view of Earth as a solitary location in space together with our role as science communicators. We have to take responsibility for our own discipline’s emissions, identify areas of action, and take initial steps to reduce our own emissions, like sustainable conferences, sustainable computing and efficient observatory construction and operations. We also need to exploit our special position as communicators of the unique and fragile character of planet Earth in the Universe.