Carl Spector was appointed Commissioner of the Environment Department in 2015. As Environment Commissioner, he oversees programs related to climate mitigation and adaptation, environmental protection, historic preservation, and other aspects of sustainability. Among related programs, the Environment Department includes the Air Pollution and Control Commission, the Conservation Commission, and the Boston Landmarks Commission.Spector and his colleagues in the Environment Department are responsible for steering the City of Boston toward the goals outlined in Boston’s Climate Action Plan Update, which outlines strategies to reduce carbon emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change. The most significant and recent initiatives led by his team include Climate Ready Boston and Carbon Free Boston.  For more information, please contact Jennifer Henderson at Jennifer.Henderson-1@colorado.edu & Robert Brammer at rfbtech@comcast.net

Recent surveys and a sweeping report from the National Academy of Sciences document a surprising and unacceptable level of unethical behavior in all sciences, including the  geosciences. AGU, GSA, National Academy of Sciences, and other professional societies are taking a stand against harassment, bullying, and discrimination. AMS is also taking a proactive approach to confront these problems.   This town hall will feature a panel of individuals from AMS leadership and experts from outside of the Society, to have a facilitated discussion of scientific ethics and conduct, including topics such as harassment, discrimination, bullying, and bias.  By having an open conversation with members of the Society, we hope to bring forth increased awareness of these issues, and specific actions that can reduce or eliminate the problem. Ultimately, this will promote a more inclusive, equitable, vibrant, and diverse AMS, and will help to improve the professional climate and culture of the society.

In anticipation of the 100th year of the AMS, the leadership established a Centennial Committee chaired by former AMS President Bill Gail. One goal of the Committee was to assess emerging issues and anticipate the grand challenges of the future. The AMS community was invited to contribute perspectives on the greatest challenges facing our society in the coming 100 years. Three overarching themes emerged as the feedback was organized: advance science, applications, capabilities, & ourselves; amplify our impact on society; and respond to society's growing needs and opportunities. The top priority for each theme was identified through an AMS-wide voting process: to educate new generations, to enhance dialogue with the public and Congress, and to ensure sustainability of Earth and its resources. Led by Bill Gail, this town hall will be an engaging, participatory dialog designed to identify how AMS-members can respond to the challenges identified through this society-wide process.