## Bridging the Lab and the Lobby: How Hopkins Students are Shaping Global Science Policy
Imagine a world where scientific discoveries aren’t just confined to labs but directly influence global decisions on everything from climate change to pandemics. That’s the world the Hopkins Science Policy and Diplomacy Group (SPDG) is striving to create. This student-run organization isn’t just about crunching numbers or conducting experiments; it’s about translating scientific knowledge into actionable policy and fostering international collaboration.
Implications of the Climate Action Now Act on Science Diplomacy
On March 27, the House introduced the Climate Action Now Act (H.R. 9) as bill number H.R. 9, by Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL14). This legislation directs the President to develop a plan for the United States to meet its nationally determined contribution under the Paris Agreement. The Act requires the U.S to remain in the Paris Agreement beyond 2020 by preventing the administration from using any federal dollars to withdraw from the agreement.
The Paris Agreement is an agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that deals with greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, adaptation, and finance signed in 2016. The long-term goal of the Paris Agreement is to keep the increase in the global average temperature well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and to limit the increase to 1.5 °C, in efforts to substantially reduce the risks and impacts associated with climate change.
The Climate Action Now Act and the Paris Agreement
The Climate Action Now Act aims to achieve its goals by providing specific deadlines for the President to report his climate plans. The bill outlines what must be included in the plan, including descriptions of steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 26%-28% below 2005 levels by 2025, and to confirm that other parties to the agreement with major economies are fulfilling their announced contributions.
The President must seek and publish comments from the public when submitting and updating the plan. Additionally, the bill requires that within six months, the President must report on the effect of the Paris Agreement on clean energy job development in rural communities and contract with the National Academy of Sciences to report on the potential impacts of a withdrawal from the agreement.
The Johns Hopkins Science Diplomacy Summit 2025
The Johns Hopkins Science Diplomacy Summit 2025 will take place on April 14–15, 2025, at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C. This high-level event connects the worlds of science and diplomacy, focusing on key developments in various aspects of science diplomacy, including climate change innovation, artificial intelligence, quantum information science and technology, research security, health, space diplomacy, international partnerships, polar diplomacy, and more.
The Summit will feature thematic “pod” discussions led by different organizations and will bring together key stakeholders from the U.S. and foreign governments, top-tier higher education institutions, non-profits, the private sector, and beyond to deepen existing collaborations and establish new transnational partnerships.
Key Developments in Science Diplomacy Discussed at the Summit
At the Summit, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussions on the latest developments in science diplomacy, including:
- Climate change innovation and its implications for international cooperation
- Artificial intelligence and its potential for global impact
- Quantum information science and technology and its role in international partnerships
- Research security and its implications for international scientific collaboration
- Health and its connection to global diplomacy
- Space diplomacy and its role in international cooperation
- Polar diplomacy and its implications for global climate action
Practical Aspects of Science Diplomacy in Action at the Summit
The Summit will also feature practical discussions on the implementation of science diplomacy in action, including:
The Power of Science Diplomacy
The Summit will explore the importance of science in international relations and its impact on global issues. This includes the role of science diplomacy in addressing global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and sustainable development.
The Future of Science Diplomacy
The Summit will also examine the evolution of science diplomacy in the 21st century, including the challenges and opportunities that arise from globalization, technological advancements, and shifting international relations.
The event will bring together experts from various fields to discuss the potential of science diplomacy to shape a better future, and to provide insights on how to leverage the power of science to address global challenges and promote international cooperation.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of the Johns Hopkins Science Policy and Diplomacy Group, it becomes clear that this initiative is more than just a university-based think tank – it’s a beacon of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative problem-solving. At its core, the group’s mission is to bring together experts from diverse fields to tackle the world’s most pressing scientific challenges, from climate change to global health. By fostering a culture of open dialogue and shared expertise, Hopkins’ Science Policy and Diplomacy Group is uniquely positioned to develop and implement effective solutions that balance scientific rigor with real-world policy relevance.
The significance of this initiative cannot be overstated, particularly in an era where scientific expertise is increasingly sought after by policymakers and global leaders. As the world grapples with complex, interconnected problems that demand a coordinated response, the Hopkins Science Policy and Diplomacy Group’s efforts serve as a powerful reminder of the critical role that science can play in shaping our collective future. By engaging with the broader scientific community, policymakers, and the public, this group is helping to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and practical application – a crucial step towards creating a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.
