SACNAS Speaks out on Administration’s Continued Attacks on Climate Policy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – According to a recent New York Times report, the Presidential administration is poised to “abandon key aspects of the methodology [the government uses] to try to understand the causes and consequences of a dangerously warming planet.” Dr. Sonia Zárate, president of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), issued the following statement in opposition to the Administration’s intent to continue rolling back environmental policies while undermining the science that supports these measures:

“The data is clear when it comes to the existence and impacts of climate change, including how climate change affects vulnerable and underrepresented communities first and worst. In its most current efforts, the administration is proposing to eliminate data points that show the impact of carbon and other fossil fuel emissions on climate change. In essence, changing methodology to limit modeling projections as a way to manipulate data to serve an agenda. We will reiterate what we have stated before: we should uphold the use of scientific evidence in the policy-making process, as well as the unbiased public disclosure of scientific information. As a scientific society at the intersection of science and culture, SACNAS has committed an entire track to climate change during our upcoming annual National Diversity in STEM Conference in an effort to continue voicing the importance of science policy, especially among our most vulnerable populations and as a reminder that impacts that vulnerable and underrepresented communities face when it comes to issues such as climate change are mitigated when research is undertaken by scientists of diverse backgrounds.”

About SACNAS

For more than 45 years, SACNAS has served as an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicano/Hispanics & Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership within STEM.

Today, the organization serves a growing community of over 20,000 supporters, 6,000+ members, and 115+ student and professional chapters throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. SACNAS influences the STEM diversity movement through STEM outreach & advocacy, promotion of STEM leaders, and The SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference. Learn more about SACNAS at sacnas.org, Facebook, or Twitter.

CONTACT
Yamila Pino; yamila@prosperolatino.com; 202-660-1433