# SF2A Environmental Transition Commission: Towards a desirable future for research in astronomy

**Authors:** Faustine Cantalloube, Camille Noûs  
**arXiv:** [2412.12184](https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.12184)  
**Date:** 2024-12-13  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/2412.12184v1/

## Key points

- The SF2A annual conference in 2024 featured a special session on environmental transition within the field of astronomy and astrophysics.
- Significant progress has been made in addressing environmental issues since 2021, emphasizing the need for a fair, collective, and effective transition towards sustainability.
- Urgent global action is needed to combat climate change and environmental degradation to preserve Earth's wonders for future generations.
- Astronomers have the potential to be part of the solutions to environmental problems by transforming thinking, doing, and using science before constraints become too severe.
- Incorporating environmental considerations into decision-making processes and professional identity is crucial.
- Addressing fractures within the astronomy community that can lead to inequalities based on factors such as gender, generation, social class, and cultural background is important.
- Reevaluating research quality assessment at all career stages by embracing qualitative evaluations and taking more time was suggested to promote more meaningful scientific contributions.

## Summary

The French Society of Astronomy & Astrophysics (SF2A) held its annual conference in 2024, featuring a special session dedicated to discussing the environmental transition within the field. The session highlighted the significant progress made in thinking about environmental issues since 2021, emphasizing the need for a fair, collective, and effective transition towards sustainability. Key points from the plenary session included the urgent need for global action to combat climate change and environmental degradation to preserve Earth's wonders for future generations. The session emphasized that astronomers are not only witnesses to environmental problems but also have the potential to be part of the solutions. It called for a transformation in thinking, doing, and using science before environmental constraints become too severe. The importance of incorporating environmental considerations into decision-making processes and making them an integral part of professional identity was underscored. Additionally, the session addressed the importance of addressing fractures within the astronomy community that can lead to inequalities based on factors such as gender, generation, social class, and cultural background. It stressed the need to preserve and enhance connections within the community to ensure decisions benefit as many people as possible. Discussions also touched on reevaluating how research quality is assessed at all career stages, highlighting concerns about overly quantitative approaches that may stifle creativity. Embracing qualitative evaluations and taking more time to assess research were suggested as ways to promote more meaningful scientific contributions. Overall, the session encouraged astronomers to embrace their role in promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship within their profession. By fostering discussions and implementing concrete measures to reduce their environmental footprint, astronomers can contribute to a more sustainable future for all.