Astronomy is a fascinating, but energy-intensive business. Frequent, long-distance flights, the operation of observatories at remote locations, as well as the execution of CPU-intensive simulations lead to greenhouse gas emission significantly larger than those of the general population. Fortunately, inexpensive solutions, that significantly reduce the carbon footprint of astronomy research immediately, are available. In this talk, I will break down the typical emissions from astronomical research and argue that we should reduce our own emissions significantly and become role models for demanding realistic change while continuing to collaborate globally.
Perhaps more importantly, astronomers convey awe for the wonders of the universe, a sense of the uniqueness of our planet, and a feeling of global citizenship. These are crucial ingredients to provoke an apprehension of urgency about the climate crisis, that ideally leads to climate action.
Astronomers for Planet Earth was founded to tackle both these issues. We see ourselves both as the climate voice of professional astronomers as well as the astronomy voice of the climate movement. At an age of five years, we are now a group of about 2000 professional astronomers, astronomy communicators and enthusiasts, and on our way to becoming a professional, staffed organisation -- that you are most welcome to join.