Science Academies Issue 'G-Science' Statements to Call World Leaders' Attention to How Science and Technology Can Help Solve Global Challenges

OTTAWA, May 10, 2012 /CNW/ - On February 27-28, 2012, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) held a meeting of Science Academy leaders in Washington DC. The goal of the meeting was to discuss three major issues, and to provide inputs to the global efforts to address these challenges.

Fifteen Science Academies were in attendance, including those of the major economies, to provide globally representative perspectives. As a result, the National Science Academies issued joint statements calling on world leaders about to meet at the upcoming G8 Summit and other international gatherings this year to give greater consideration to the vital role science and technology could play in addressing some of the planet's most pressing challenges. The "G-Science" statements recommend that governments engage the international research community in developing systematic, innovative solutions to three global dilemmas: how to simultaneously meet water and energy needs; how to build resilience to natural and technological disasters; and how to more accurately gauge greenhouse gas emissions on a country-level basis to verify progress toward national goals or international commitments.

The Statements, which include recommendations for action, are signed by the leaders of National Science Academies from Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States, which is hosting this year's G8 Summit. They will be made publically available on the Society's website on May 10, 2012, www.rsc-src.ca.

Founded in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) comprises the Academies of Arts, Humanities and Sciences of Canada.  Its mission is to recognize scholarly, research and artistic excellence, to advise governments and organizations, and to promote a culture of knowledge and innovation in Canada and with other national academies around the world.

Erika Kujawski, Senior Officer of Communications, The Royal Society of Canada, [phone] Ext. 105, Mobile: [phone], [email protected]; Internet: www.rsc-src.ca; Twitter: twitter.com/RSCTheAcademies