One of the highlights of our week at ESA 2024 was our Inspire session, Science to Action: Grassroots Activism for Ecologists! Seven scientist activists gave 5-minute TED-talk-style presentations about their journeys from being scientists to being activists. We heard from a range of presenters, including stories about creating change from the inside by Doug Kaylor of the Environmental Protection Agency, to participating in policy changes by Melissa Varga of the Union of Concerned Scientists, to a number of presenters representing Scientist Rebellion. Rose Abramoff closed out the talks with her advice based on her amazing activist experiences. Following the talks, speakers joined a lively Q&A discussion where we explored topics ranging from the effectiveness of non-violent direct action campaigns to how organizations like the British Ecological Society could support activist scientists. Many of the talks are available here through recordings and you can find presentation materials as well.
video of full session – see more details and references below
Inspire panel session “Science to Action: Grassroots Activism for Ecologists” (Wed 10:00am, Grand Ballroom A) – details
Abstract
Climate change is an existential threat to humanity and as a scientific community, it is our responsibility to treat it as such. In collaboration with historically marginalized communities and activists, ecologists can engage in a variety of tactics to apply pressure on those in power to take action now. Attendees will engage directly with colleagues experienced in a range of effective activism options with opportunities to explore what works best for their career stage. This special session is a follow-on companion to the related Inspire session. All speakers attending the meeting in person will be available for in-depth questions and discussion on a variety of topics, which may include practical ways to get involved with local and online groups; choosing demands, targets, tactics, and organizing principles; creating support structures; building collective power; interacting with media; harnessing privilege, allyship and conflict resolution.
Organizer: Jennifer Krauel (South Dakota State University, Scientist Rebellion)
References and Resources for each talk
- Scientist Rebellion: a community for activist scientists, Jennifer Krauel, South Dakota State University, Scientist Rebellion
- Working within official channels – how to make a difference, Doug Kaylor, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Moving from Apolitical to Action: How Organizing Frameworks Can Support Scientist Activism, Melissa Varga, Union of Concerned Scientists
- Cognitive Dissonance: aligning your career to your values, Bernadette Rodgers, Willamette University, Scientist Rebellion
- A scientist’s first year as a climate activist: protesting and committing civil disobedience with global climate action groups, Glenn Wikle New Mexico State University, Scientist Rebellion
- Culture Shock: Navigating challenges faced by scientist activists in adapting to the norms, customs, and practices of climate justice organizations, Gregory Spooner, Gain Consulting Services, Scientist Rebellion
- Building and sustaining effective campaigns, Rose Abramoff, Ronin Institute, Scientist Rebellion
- Mark Darienzo Scientist Rebellion
- Christopher Marchesano Climate Science Legal Defense Fund
- Johanna Vollhardt Clark University, Scientist Rebellion