American Chemical Society Fall 2023 (CINF)

American Chemical Society Fall 2023 (CINF)

News
July 30, 2023

American Chemical Society National Meeting Fall 2023
San Francisco, August 13-17, 2023
Division of Chemical Information (CINF)

Combating Science Mis- and Dis-Information

Incorrect information in science literature is not new, but review mechanisms, corrections, and retractions occur. The recent proliferation of “news sites” proffering original content and aggregations and social media have released, in real time, a fire hose of information, some being properly classified as “fake news.” Public receipt of scientific mis- and dis-information is growing. This session brings expertise in elements of information science as applied in library acquisition and archives, health and COVID, climate, and green chemistry and sustainability. How and why persons become and remain mis-informed about scientific issues, essentially confused, and worse, susceptible to additional disinformation, i.e., intentional misunderstanding. Social media, via the internet, plays a big part in peer-group behavior. How to recognize mis- and dis-information and become motivated to quash falsehoods. The overarching goal is to educate attendees with viable methodology, so that they can share with members of their scientific and social community and take action to address the erroneous information and correct the record in the public space.

ACS Fall 2023

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Details on 1) indoor air quality, 2) methane, 3) carbon dioxide, 4) misleading information, and 5) SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Resources.

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Details below on 1) indoor air quality, 2) methane, 3) carbon dioxide, 4) misleading information, and 5) SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Resources.

1) Indoor Air Quality

Ensure the ventilation on trains and busses is operating. Carbon dioxide should not exceed 1,000 ppm CO2 except for brief periods. Outside fresh air is 423 ppm CO2. Increase air exchange and use MERV 13 filters.

2) Methane

The current global market value of methane (natural gas) is $105 billion and is projected to grow at least 5% per year. Methane is second in terms of contribution to the greenhouse gas inventory, between carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, and accounting for about 30% of the global warming since the industrial revolution; the atmospheric concentration of methane is increasing faster than at any time since record keeping began in the 1980s. Methane’s savior is its mean atmospheric lifetime of about ten years, providing a near-term opportunity to mitigate its atmospheric concentration, the imbalance between natural sources and sinks.

“Based on average natural gas prices from 2017 to 2021, we estimate that around 40% of methane emissions from oil and gas operations could be avoided at no net cost because the outlays for the abatement measures are less than the market value of the additional gas that is captured. Based on the record gas prices seen around the world in 2022, we estimate that about 80% of the options to reduce emissions from oil and gas operations worldwide could be implemented at no net cost. Around USD 100 billion in investment is required to 2030 to deploy all methane abatement measures in the oil and gas sector. This is less than 3% of the net income received by the oil and gas industry in 2022.”

https://www.iea.org/reports/global-methane-tracker-2023/overview

3) Carbon Dioxide

Globally, approximately 50 billion tonnes (50 Gt) of greenhouse gases, as measured in carbon dioxide equivalents, are emitted directly into the atmosphere each year. Energy use (electricity, heat and transport) accounts for 73.2%, direct industrial processes 5.2%, waste 3.2%, and agriculture, forestry and land use 18.4%.

4) Coping with Misleading Information

Information flows to us via many channels. Misleading information is more than an inconvenience, it can create chaos and delay or prevent decisions in public health, environmental action, and the market. Scientific literature enjoys longstanding guardrails to publish peer-reviewed reports and issue retractions when warranted. The popular press and social media proffer in real time and mis- and dis-information can spread like wildfire; if unchallenged, societal polarization can increase and confidence in public institutions can erode. We need to help society understand complex social and technical issues. Frame your activities around who is creating the content, who is amplifying the content, and who is affected by the content.

5) SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19

The coronavirus is airborne, an aerosol. Filters, masks, and vaccines help stop spreading.

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American Chemical Society Fall 2023 (CINF)