Reposting this article from Dr. Bethan Davies as we watch anything related to equity, diversity, and inclusivity in science be trashed under the Trump Administration. The original post has a list of co-signers that is being updated rapidly: https://www.antarcticglaciers.org/2025/02/polar-science-needs-diversity/. Reach out to Dr. Davies directly if you wish to be added to the list.
Polar Science Needs Diversity
We write in solidarity with our colleagues in the USA and internationally, who are suffering as efforts to increase equality, diversity and inclusion are systematically eroded and destroyed.
It is imperative to defend EDI principles at the national and the international level. Without efforts to diversify polar science, we will lose the best and brightest talent that will enable a swift, strategic and agile response to global environmental challenges.
We as polar scientists are motivated to explore and understand some of the grandest environmental challenges on earth, ranging from climate change, melting of glaciers and ice sheets, sea level rise, ecosystem change, droughts, oceanic and atmospheric circulation, sea ice change, and high mountain and polar hazards. These processes are impacting societies worldwide. Clear sighted future forecasts are needed to adapt to these changes and mitigate against the worst of the impacts.
Solving these grand environmental challenges requires the very best and very brightest minds. Diversity in polar science is critical because differing minds, experiences and opinions brings innovation and originality. Communities with closed minds that exclude or make unwelcome contributors on the basis of any of these characteristics will fail to recruit and retain the very best and very brightest.
A community where all are welcome, where scientists are respected and included regardless of gender, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, nationality and disability, is critical if we are to have the imagination, innovation and creativity to solve these crises. Furthermore, unless we as a scientific community reflect the global communities that we serve, we fail to fully understand the impacts and consequences of these grand environmental challenges. However, many of these groups remain underrepresented in polar science, inhibiting our ability for innovative, flexible and original work.
‘Diversity’ is not to blame for the world’s problems. It is part of the solution.
Equality
Equality in polar science means equality of opportunity, regardless of their personal characteristics or background. Equity means that everyone is treated fairly, by removing barriers or opportunities faced by some particular groups in society.
In Polar Science, this can mean fieldwork codes of conduct, protocols for reporting and dealing with harassment and bullying, and understanding the different needs of people based on their personal characteristics. This can involve clothing, toilet facilities, religious facilities, quiet rooms etc.
Diversity
Diversity in polar science means recognising and valuing people’s different backgrounds, knowledge, skills and experiences.
In Polar Science this can mean outreach events and programmes to engage with underrepresented groups, challenging stereotypes, role modelling and mentoring, and ring-fenced funding, internships and scholarships.
Inclusion
Inclusion in polar science means that the differences between people and groups are seen as a benefit, where people feel comfortable to share their perspectives and differences, and know that their opinions are valued.
Polar science is a global endeavour and relies on international scientific cooperation. The Antarctic Treaty now has 52 national signatories; membership continues to grow. Polar Science should represent the global community since everyone is impacted by changes in the Arctic, Antarctic and high mountain areas.
Inclusion in Polar Science means making all communities feel welcome and valued, whether through initiatives and celebrations such as LGBTQ+ in STEM Day and Polar Pride, Women in Science Day, Day of People with Disabilities, and through guides and training on inclusive behaviours.
We stand by our colleagues
We stand by our global colleagues and remain deeply committed to EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) principles, and to building a scientific community that is diverse, inclusive and equitable as well as original, adaptable and insightful.
Join us in calling for stronger commitments to diversity, to defend EDI protocols and laws, and to strengthen EDI requirements and commitments for future generations.