Steven Chu (Stanford Professor) – 2020 AAAS Annual Meeting President’s Address (Jun 2020)


Chapters

00:00:00 Envisioning Tomorrow: Advancing Science and Rising Above Gathering Storms
00:06:22 Science Communication Efforts of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
00:11:57 Historical Examples of Science Addressing Global Challenges
00:16:04 Climate Change: Past, Present, and Future Challenges
00:21:53 Transformative Technologies: Driving a Clean Energy Future
00:25:39 Global Geoengineering: Agriculture, Livestock, and Sustainable Population
00:33:48 Immigrant Contributions to American Science and Technology
00:40:11 China's Five-Year Plan: A Driving Force in Technological Advancement
00:48:08 Challenges and Opportunities in Scientific Innovation: The Role of China and the United States
00:52:54 Rebuilding Trust in an Era of Industrial Espionage and Scientific Misconduct
00:56:31 Personal Trust and Contact in Political Influence
00:59:38 The Early Days of Children's Television Programming
01:03:05 The Importance of Emotional Expression and Control in Children's Media

Abstract

Envisioning Tomorrow: A Comprehensive Look at Science, Policy, and Global Challenges

In an era of rapid scientific advancement and global challenges, the importance of science policy, effective communication, and collaboration cannot be overstated. This article synthesizes key insights from Steven Chu, Nobel Laureate and 12th US Secretary of Energy, who recently addressed the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), focusing on the urgent need to expand AAAS membership, improve science communication, and address global threats like climate change and misinformation. Chu’s vision, coupled with historical examples and current scientific endeavors, presents a compelling narrative of science’s pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future.

The Urgency of Expanding Scientific Understanding and Engagement

Chu proposed a tenfold increase in AAAS membership, advocating for a model akin to Spotify’s subscription service to attract younger scientists. This reflects a broader aim to make science more accessible, especially to non-scientists and students. He underscored this with the AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship Program, aiming to endow six congressional fellows. Chu’s dream resonates with the historical achievements of scientists like Fritz Haber and Norman Borlaug, who revolutionized agriculture, and emphasizes the critical role of science in addressing global challenges, from climate change to misinformation.

Awards and Honors: Dr. Chu co-received the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics for laser cooling and atom trapping. He is a member of prestigious scientific academies, including the National Academy of Sciences and foreign academies, and holds 32 honorary degrees.

AAAS Involvement: Dr. Chu became an AAAS member in 1995 and a fellow in 2000. He will assume the role of AAAS Board of Directors Chair at the end of the meeting.

Science’s Response to Global Challenges

The article sheds light on the historical and current responses of science to global crises. The Haber-Bosch process and Borlaug’s disease-resistant wheat strains are pivotal examples of scientific solutions to starvation. Today, climate change, evidenced by melting glaciers and sea level rise, and the depletion of water resources, which could create climate refugees, pose new challenges. Scientific advancements, such as the potential for lithium extraction from seawater and advancements in solar energy and battery technology, offer promising solutions. However, these require substantial investment and international cooperation.

SciLine: SciLine is a free service for reporters, funded by philanthropy, providing research-based evidence for news stories. AAAS publishes Science Magazine, which includes daily, weekly, and daily news stories, covering topics like “Mission Impossible” and “How the World Health Organization Fights Pandemics.”

Historical Sea Levels: During the last warm period, roughly 125,000 years ago, sea levels were six to nine meters higher than they are today. Recent measurements suggest that most of this sea-level rise could occur in less than 250 years, leading to significant challenges.

Climate Refugees: Water shortages, droughts, heat waves, forest fires, and crop failures are increasing due to climate change. These factors could lead to large-scale displacement of people, creating climate refugees. The potential influx of tens of millions to hundreds of millions of climate refugees would have significant social and political implications.

Negative Emissions: Limiting global warming to 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius requires negative emissions by 2080, meaning we must remove more greenhouse gases from the atmosphere than we emit. Achieving negative emissions will be extremely challenging and requires significant technological and policy advancements.

The Role of Science in a Changing World

Chu’s address and the historical context of science highlight its crucial role in addressing global issues. The Earthrise photograph, symbolizing Earth’s uniqueness, and the challenges of space travel emphasize the importance of focusing on our planet. The long-term impacts of cumulative carbon emissions underline the urgency of addressing climate change. Meanwhile, the increasing sales projections for EVs and the potential for clean hydrogen production point towards a sustainable future.

Science Communication and Fun: Science can be fun and engaging for the general public. A study showed that humans are not very good at interpreting cat facial expressions, but veterinarians and animal experts are better at it. Bringing the fun of science to a wider audience is a goal.

Earthrise and the Importance of Earth: The famous Earthrise photograph taken during the Apollo 8 mission highlights the beauty and uniqueness of our planet. Earth is the only known planet in our solar system that can sustain life, and it is crucial that we protect and preserve it.

Exoplanets and the Challenges of Space Travel: There are many exoplanets, planets outside our solar system, that may be habitable. However, traveling to these planets is extremely difficult and time-consuming, even with advanced propulsion systems. It would take approximately 45 million years to reach a potentially habitable planet in our galaxy, and landing safely would be virtually impossible.

Cumulative Emissions and the 2,900 Gigaton Limit: The UN goal of keeping global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius requires us to stay below 2,900 gigatons of cumulative carbon emissions. Carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere remains there for thousands of years, so the cumulative emissions over time are crucial in determining the long-term impact on climate change.

The Interplay of Science, Policy, and Society

Chu’s vision extends beyond scientific advancements to encompass the broader context of science policy and its interplay with society. The challenges in science communication, particularly in the age of the internet, require a nuanced approach to convey complex scientific concepts effectively. The proposed new AAAS membership model and Chu’s emphasis on science education reflect a commitment to fostering a scientifically literate society. The historical contributions of immigrants to American science and the importance of maintaining international scientific collaborations highlight the need for an inclusive approach to science and technology.

AAAS Membership: AAAS has about 100,000 paid members and a total membership of over 120,000. Many young scientists do not join AAAS because they get Science Magazine for free through their institutions. A Spotify membership model is being considered, where members would pay $3 per month to support AAAS. Members would receive a lecture copy of the front end section of Science Magazine and potentially a new section aimed at a more lay audience.

Immigrant Contributions to American Science and Technology: Immigrants have played a significant role in the advancement of science in the United States. 143 immigrants have won Nobel Prizes in the US, comprising 3-4% of all laureates. If second-generation immigrants are included, the percentage likely exceeds 50%. All physics Nobel laureates born in China came to the US, earned PhDs, and won their Nobel Prizes there.

International Scientific Collaboration: As of 2017, foreign students represented 35% of graduate students in science, health, and engineering fields in the US. In the physical sciences, over 30% of master’s students and over 40% of PhD students are foreign. China alone accounts for 34% of these foreign students.

The Political and Ethical Dimensions of Science

The article delves into the political and ethical aspects of science, particularly in the context of U.S.-China relations. Chu’s testimony on U.S. science policy and the growing competition with China illustrates the geopolitical dimensions of scientific research. The concerns over industrial espionage and the ethical implications of obtaining information before publication underscore the complexities of the scientific enterprise in a globalized world. Chu’s call for rebuilding trust and fostering collaboration across political divides is a poignant reminder of the need for ethical considerations in science.

Addressing Industrial Espionage, Scientific Ethics, and the Need for Trust: Steven Chu, former Secretary of Energy, observed an increase in industrial espionage, leading him to declare it a new Cold War. The US and China agreed to refrain from using national cyber tools for economic espionage but the agreement was canceled. Chu calls for acknowledging and addressing real issues, including attempts to obtain information before publication, and for fostering ethical conduct among faculty members. He also emphasizes the need to rebuild trust across America and encourages open questioning of political leaders.

Rebuilding Trust Across America: Chu emphasizes the importance of personal trust and contact in driving change and achieving goals. He recounts his personal experience in seeking support for the “Rising Above the Gathering Storm” program from President George Bush through personal connections and advocacy. Chu draws a parallel between Robert Frost’s poem “Mending Fences” and the need for personal trust and contact in driving positive change.

AAAS’s Role in Mending Political Divides: Steven Chu, former Secretary of Energy and CEO of AAAS, expressed his intention to help mend the fences between Republicans and Democrats.

– He emphasized the need for quiet conversations and small group meetings to rebuild trust and promote understanding.

– Chu recognized that there are good people on both sides of the political aisle and pledged to work towards bridging the gap.

United States Policy on Scientific Research and Collaboration: US policy has been to keep the products of fundamental research unrestricted and to control information only when necessary for national security through classification. However, this directive is being debated, raising concerns among scientists and policymakers.

China’s Rise and the Response: China’s Five-Year Plans prioritize the development of advanced technologies in various fields, including energy, biotechnology, materials science, and information technology. The China Talents Program seeks to recruit foreign talent to acquire advanced technology without incurring research costs. Chu stresses the importance of an open environment for creativity and scientific progress, emphasizing the value of free speech, information flow, and open questioning of political leaders.

Concluding Thoughts: The Importance of Trust and Collaboration

In conclusion, the article emphasizes the importance of trust and collaboration in advancing scientific endeavors. Drawing on Mr. Rogers’ principles and Chu’s experiences, it illustrates how personal trust and contact can be pivotal in securing support for scientific programs. The article concludes with a call to prioritize scientific research and education, embrace international collaborations, and foster a scientifically literate and ethically responsible society to navigate the challenges of the 21st century effectively.

The Importance of Personal Trust and Contact in Driving Change: Steven Chu highlights the significance of personal trust and contact in driving change and achieving goals. He shares a personal story of how he, along with colleagues, persuaded President George Bush to support the “Rising Above the Gathering Storm” program. Chu emphasizes that it was not just the merits of the program but the personal connections and advocacy that ultimately led to its success. He draws a parallel between Mr. Rogers’ message and the need for personal trust and contact in driving positive change.

Fred Rogers’ Vision for Children’s Television and His Song About Managing Anger:

The Power of Public Television: Fred Rogers expressed his dedication to providing an expression of care to each child, recognizing their uniqueness and fostering their self-esteem. He aimed to make it clear that feelings are mentionable and manageable, believing that this would contribute significantly to mental health.

A Personal Approach to Children’s Programming: Rogers was deeply involved in the creation of his program, hosting, performing all the puppets, writing the music, and scripting the episodes. He emphasized the importance of personal communication with small groups of children, using puppets to facilitate intimate conversations.

Fred Rogers’ Song about Managing Anger: Rogers shared the lyrics of a song he wrote about managing anger, which originated from a child’s question. The song encourages children to express their anger in constructive ways, such as punching a bag, playing tag, or pounding clay. It emphasizes the importance of self-control and the ability to stop negative behaviors and engage in positive alternatives.

The Feeling of Control and Personal Growth: Rogers emphasized the importance of children feeling in control of their emotions and actions, knowing that they can make positive choices. He expressed his belief in the potential of all children to grow and develop into capable and responsible adults.


Notes by: crash_function