With a PhD in statistical astrophysics, David Corliss is lead, Industrial Business Analytics, and manager, Data Science Center of Excellence, Stellantis. He serves on the steering committee for the Conference on Statistical Practice and is the founder of Peace-Work, a volunteer cooperative of statisticians and data scientists providing analytic support for charitable groups and applying statistical methods in issue-driven advocacy.

One of the most vibrant and impactful areas of data for good is environmental research and advocacy. Statisticians are making a difference through participating in new research, supporting data-driven decision-making in industry and government, educating the public, and helping more people become involved in this critically needed work. With Earth Day on April 22, Stats4Good takes a look at ways the ASA and its members are protecting the world around us through the use of statistics.

Ever since its founding in 1839, the American Statistical Association has advocated for the highest standards in science and its use for the public good. Statistical studies on the impact of human activity on the environment can be found from the ASA’s earliest days. For example, Publications of the American Statistical Association, v.3 (1892–1893), includes a study by Census Bureau investigator John Hyde on the geographic concentration of agriculture. In this practice, a single crop dominates a wide area, with other crops greatly outnumbering others in different parts of the country. The resulting soil depletion, Hyde wrote, created “the necessity—soon to become apparent—of a more considerate treatment of the soil on the part of the farmers of the western states.” This is human-caused environmental damage documented in a paper published by the ASA in 1893.

The statistical work of Hyde and his colleagues continues today in myriad ways. ASA members have long understood the significance of climate change through research, education, and policy advocacy. The ASA published a statement in 2007 endorsing the “unequivocal” science of human-caused impacts described in the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. A search of JSM’s online program from last year finds 93 references to climate change. Also, the ASA Advisory Committee on Climate Change Policy (ACCCP) works with the ASA director of science policy to advise Congress on climate change issues, with special emphasis on the roles of statistics and statisticians in advancing science and informing policy. The advisory committee maintains resources available, including a link to climate change data and source code maintained by RealClimate.org.

The ASA Section on Statistics and the Environment (ENVR) supports the statistical community by providing a channel for communication and networking, creating educational resources, and advocating for sound, data-driven environmental policy. Section members sponsor conferences, meetings, and workshops on environmental statistics to foster research and promote best practices. Awards administered by the section include a distinguished achievement award and one for early-career investigators. The section also coordinates activities between individuals and groups within the ASA and other organizations with an interest in environmental science and advocacy.

ENVR is also a major sponsor of JSM sessions and mentoring roundtables. Searching on the name of the section in previous JSM online programs is a great way to find researchers and projects in your area of interest.

Additionally, the section partners with other ASA organizations to promote shared visions and goals. For example, the section issued a statement on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion recognizing diversity as a source of strength, ingenuity, and inspiration. Becoming a member of the section can get you started on your personal journey of environmental advocacy using statistics while you keep up to date on research opportunities, events, and other activities.

The ASA also supports partnership with other organizations working in environmental advocacy using analytics. The International Environmetrics Society, an association of the International Statistical Institute, works globally to support environmental research and advocacy through statistical science. The Consortium of Social Science Associations, of which the ASA is a member, is an association of many academic and professional groups in the social sciences working together to advocate for data-driven federal policy, including climate change and other environmental issues.

Finally, many ASA chapters offer presentations about and activities on statistical science and the environment.

These are just a few ways the ASA and its members participate in environmental advocacy through sound statistical science. As is so often the case in D4G, local agencies and organizations have data but need statistical expertise from volunteers and professionals to turn data into action and affect the world around us. The challenges in environmental statistics can be great, including poor or incomplete data and even push-back from others. As great as the challenges are, the rewards are even greater when we use our skills to help save the planet we all share.