Award celebrates AGU’s leadership in climate ethics and responsible research
23 July 2025
AGU Contact:
Josh Weinberg, [email protected]
WASHINGTON— The American Geophysical Union (AGU), the world’s largest association of Earth and space scientists, has been awarded a Power of Associations, Gold Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for its Ethical Framework Principles for Climate Intervention Research. The Power of Associations Awards recognize associations that use their collective strength to lead positive change in society.
“As both a fellow and long-time member of ASAE, I’m thrilled to see AGU receive this national honor,” said Janice R. Lachance, Executive Director and CEO of AGU. “This recognition reflects the power of collaboration among the scientists, policymakers and communities who came together to advance a more ethical future for climate research. It’s a strong example of how associations can lead with purpose and impact and how AGU helps move science from usable to used in service of society.”
In October 2024, AGU published the Ethical Framework Principles for Climate Intervention Research in response to the increasing urgency of the climate crisis and growing interest in large-scale interventions, such as carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and solar radiation modification (SRM), in the face of inadequate mitigation measures. While AGU affirms that reducing carbon emissions must remain the top priority in addressing climate change, research in this space must be guided by principles that are inclusive, representative and just, with careful consideration of both risks and benefits. This framework provides critical community-centered guidance for both policymakers and the scientific community on the serious issues involved with undertaking climate intervention research.
This framework was developed over a two-year period under the guidance of an advisory board of more than 40 international experts across various sectors. It proposes five key ethical principles — responsible research, holistic climate justice, inclusive public participation, transparency and informed governance — to guide climate intervention research, funding and policy decisions. Since its release, the framework has been downloaded more than 1,300 times, translated into 10 languages, presented at over 30 events and shared with stakeholders across six continents.
AGU will be formally recognized at ASAE’s Summit Awards Dinner on 25 September in Washington, D.C.
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The American Geophysical Union (www.agu.org) is a global community supporting more than half a million scientists, advocates, and professionals in Earth and space sciences. Through broad and inclusive partnerships, AGU aims to advance discovery and solution science that accelerate knowledge and create solutions that are ethical, unbiased and respectful of communities and their values. Our programs include serving as a scholarly publisher, convening virtual and in-person events and providing career support. We live our values in everything we do, such as our net zero energy renovated building in Washington, D.C. and our Ethics and Equity Center, which fosters a diverse and inclusive geoscience community to ensure responsible conduct.