FROM THE TOS PRESIDENT
Deborah Bronk

Hello TOS members!

As both 2024 and my term as president come to an end, I am reflecting on the world we live in with its climate crisis, political instability, and war. In the United States, we are also facing corrosive political division, a growing distrust of science, and the possibility of unprecedented changes to the federal system that underpins US science. I acknowledge the lure of putting your head in the sand to avoid the steady stream of bad news, but now is when the world needs us to engage. In the coming year I encourage all of us to ask ourselves…

What can I do to help?

I am pretty good at simplifying science and I love giving talks to the general public. Over the years, I have given a talk about the basics of climate change, how science works, and how important the ocean is to our economy and national security many times, but usually to audiences full of supporters. In 2025, my personal goal is to give this talk to 20 audiences in rural communities that voted for candidates that used divisive anti-science rhetoric in the last election. My hope is to open a conversation where I can hear their perspective while sharing my own.

What are your skills? What will you commit to in 2025 to move the needle on some issue facing your community or the world?

As this is my last column, I want to include a thank you. It has been an honor to work alongside so many wonderful people in service to the TOS community. I have been surprised by and so grateful for the many positive comments I have received these last two years in response to these short columns. It reinforces the importance that a society like TOS can play in providing a platform to encourage conversations on a wide range of topics. This column has also provided me with that all important recognition that I am not the only one feeling a particular way. That is what community is all about.

Speaking of community, for those of you attending this week’s Fall AGU meeting in Washington, DC, come by and see us at the TOS booth (#220). In the massive sea of nerdy strangers, you will find a friendly face and a place to catch your breath.

Finally, I am happy to report that the TOS Council will be delivering a completed strategic plan to the incoming TOS president, the wonderful Paula Bontempi, by the end of the year. I look forward to supporting her and the Council as we work to execute the plan we crafted with you, the members. Stay tuned!

I am still here to serve, so please reach out to me at [email protected] if you have any comments or concerns. After January 1, I can be reached at [email protected].