The Board on Environmental Change and Society (BECS) will be responsible for National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) programs that build understanding of human interactions with the biophysical environment; contribute to the development of a coherent field of scientific endeavor in this area; integrate social and behavioral science research into environmental science and policy; advance the behavioral, social, and decision sciences; and provide benefits to society through the application of these sciences to human-environment interactions. BECS will be proactive in seeking collaboration with Boards and Committees throughout the NASEM that have technical expertise in areas that intersect with the interests of BECS in promoting the integration of the contributions of the social sciences with those of other sciences and technologies as the National Academy of Science advises the nation about the causes and consequences of environmental change and informs environmental decisions.
In this context, the role of BECS will encompass strategic planning, program development, and oversight of NASEM studies and other activities initiated under the auspices of the board. In executing its charge, the BECS will: (1) maintain surveillance of the field and explore the state of knowledge in selected areas judged to be of particular importance as a basis for the development of prospective NASEM studies and other activities; (2) provide a venue for contact and communication among basic and applied researchers in the United States and abroad; (3) interest scientists outside the field of human-environmental sciences in conducting basic research relevant to major theoretical and methodological issues; (4) respond to requests from sponsors for guidance and advice from the NASEM on specific problems or issues relating to their programs; and (5) serve as the United States National Committee for the International Human Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change.
The board is seeking approximately 5 new members (13 in total) that have expertise in some of the following areas
- behavior decision making
- environmental decision making
- sociology
- anthropology
- risk perception, uncertainty, and communication
- big data
- environmental change
- mitigation and adaptation management and transitions
- transformative change
- systems science
- socio-ecological systems
- environmental justice
- economics
- environmental policy and law
- psychology
- environmental and occupational health
- renewable energy policy
- stakeholder engagement
- human geography
- human-environment interactions
- climate governance
- implementation science
The National Academies are committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion in order to strengthen the quality of our work. Diverse perspectives contribute to finding innovative approaches and solutions to challenging issues. We encourage the nomination of volunteers who reflect the populations we serve and also welcome in particular nominations of candidates from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, women, and early- and mid-career professionals.We invite you to submit nominations for committee members and/or reviewers for this study by February 16, 2023.
Contact information:
Name: Thomas Thornton
Email: TThornton@nas.edu
Phone: 202-334-2021Project Website Link