About SSI
The Sound Science Initiative (SSI) is a project of the Union of Concerned Scientists' Global Environment Program. SSI was born out of the scientific community's growing concern over damage to Earth's natural systems. It was created in 1995 at the urging of UCS's board of directors and under the leadership of former UCS board chair Dr. Henry Kendall.Since its creation, SSI has aspired to increase the role that scientists play in the public policy arena by ensuring that our scientist members are kept informed of important media and policy developments on environmental issues of global significance, with a special focus on climate change and loss of biological diversity.
To read more about what we've done, please visit the Accomplishments page.
How it works:
SSI staff and consultants work together to monitor major media outlets and important policy arenas and to strategize ways in which the scientific community can have the largest impact. Going beyond the basic news and information provided by today's increasing number of "list-servs," SSI works to identify the special and critical niche that scientists can occupy in shaping environmental policy. We let you know when your voice is needed to raise environmental literacy, bring sound science to bear on critical environmental policies, and to help promote science-based solutions. We make it easy for SSI scientists to do this by providing thoughtful analyses and background materials on selected climate change and biodiversity issues; materials you can use with students, reporters, policymakers, and the public.
We also offer SSI members opportunities to expand their skills and effectiveness through issue briefings, media and advocacy skills building workshops, and other special projects.
Action Alerts:
SSI's primary modus operandi is the "action alert"-- where SSI staff identify a media or policy opportunity, alert appropriate network members via email, and suggest an effective action scientists can take.
Information Updates:
In addition to the action alerts, SSI staff create information updates, which provide in-depth, timely information on controversial topics or scientific developments. These proactive updates have covered such topics as the differences between ground versus satellite temperature records of climate change, forest health issues pertinent to the salvage logging issue, and up-to-the-minute eye-witness accounts of the international climate negotiations. Updates also report back on the outcome of previous action alerts, so that SSI members know the impact of their efforts.
To read more about our updates, please visit the Accomplishments page.
Notices:
SSI Notices are general e-mails to SSI members to inform them of an exciting development or event. We often send notices when important reports are released, or to let you know about exciting lectures, or interesting workshops geared for scientists.
SSI Membership Profile
Currently more than 3,000 scientists are enrolled on the SSI network. SSI members range from graduate students to senior scientists in a range of fields, the majority having expertise in the life, physical, and earth sciences.
For more information about SSI please email Jean Sideris at jsideris@ucsusa.org.
