The Union of Concerned Scientists is a national nonprofit organization founded 50 years ago by scientists and students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who sought to use the power of science to address global problems and improve people’s lives.
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet’s most pressing problems. Joining with people across the country, it combines technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
Today, UCS is a group of nearly 250 scientists, analysts, policy and communication experts dedicated to that purpose. Founders knew science and evidence-based decision making was critical to solving many of the biggest challenges facing humankind, and to make progress we would need to work persistently in the face of often daunting odds. The main fields of study focus on :
- Combat climate change and seek to alleviate harm caused by the heat, sea level rise, and other consequences of runaway emissions,
- Strive to develop sustainable ways to feed, power, and transport ourselves,
- Work to reduce the existential threat of nuclear war,
- Fight back when powerful corporations or special interests mislead the public on science, and ensure solutions that advance racial and economic equity .
