Solutions for Scientists

Scientists can reduce emissions, advocate for fossil fuel divestment, and influence policy through ethical research, low-carbon travel, and science communication.

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Reduce Research-Related Emissions

Scientific research in the Arctic is essential but often carbon-intensive. The InterAct guide helps researchers identify key ways to lower their environmental impact.

Rethink Travel and Institutional Support

Not all meetings can be held online, but travel choices matter. Encourage your organization to minimise resource-intensive trips to the field.

Use Your Voice for Climate Action

Scientists hold unique credibility, your advocacy can influence global action. Speak out against industry-driven geoengineering efforts.

Engage in Science Communication

Your knowledge can shape climate policy from local councils to global platforms. Communicate, promote and help guide ethical and effective climate action.

Reduce carbon footprint of research activities

Scientists are highly aware of climate change impacts in the Arctic, but scientific research is often associated with heavy CO2 emissions. Although some of these emissions may be necessary for on-going monitoring, there are many ways in which the carbon footprint of research activities can be cut.

This InterAct guide helps researchers identify areas through which emissions can be lessened.

Head to InterAct guide

Minimising resource-intensive trips to the field

Travel for conferences, fieldwork and collaboration is a large source of carbon emissions. For meetings that cannot be moved online, prioritising train travel can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared with flying.

Collaborating with other teams for research activities can also help with data collection while minimising resource-intensive trips to the field.

Start a conversation with your employer, funder or institution.

How are they addressing their carbon footprint?
What policies do they have in place to help you on this sustainability journey?

If you are taking the train for climate reasons, some may have funding available to cover the increased cost. You can also encourage them to join the movement of large organisations divesting from fossil fuels.

Use your voice for climate action

Scientists can lend their voices and expertise to global campaigns. You can endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative as well as sign onto the Solar Geoengineering Non-Use Agreement.

Very few polar scientists support geoengineering, recognising that it is largely funded by those with a vested interest in the maintenance of the fossil fuel industry. As a scientist, it is incredibly important for you to question the governance and policies of such initiatives, which may be accepted more readily by governments and private-sector funders.

Your trusted voice can be pivotal in decisions at all levels of government, especially on climate matters, so science communication is very effective. Take advantage of opportunities to speak with your local and regional councils, as well as to national and international bodies as appropriate.