Union of Concerned Scientists, Inc.

We tackle the most urgent problems
• We fight for a healthier planet, a more equitable society, and a safer world.
• We foster independent, science-based solutions that improve people’s lives.
• We bring transparency to issues too often clouded by special interests.

We combine science and action
• UCS conducts research and develops innovative policy solutions to address climate change, the risk of nuclear war, and sustainable forms of energy, agriculture, and transportation.
• We expose bogus studies and the censorship and manipulation of science by special interests and industry or political operatives.
• We speak out in the media and directly to government officials about our research and solutions.
• We mobilize our 500,000 supporters and 1,500 local partners to advocate for change at the state and federal levels.

At UCS, we reject rhetoric and actions that divide the nation by race, religion, gender, geography, or any other factor. We stand up for science and evidence-based policymaking, especially those solutions that yield benefits for low-income communities and communities of color too often denied the benefits of clean technologies. We work with communities across the country to improve access to healthy, affordable, and sustainably grown food that can also boost rural economies. And we are redoubling our efforts to prevent a destabilizing nuclear arms race.

We advance science-based solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems, conducting rigorous technical analyses and mobilizing our supporters to educate decisionmakers and advocate for change. We do this by:

* Pushing the Biden administration to rapidly implement our detailed, step-by-step road map for restoring science and evidence to their proper role in government decisionmaking;
* Calling for a just path to recovery from the pandemic that provides economic relief directly to people and communities, not corporations, invests in a clean energy future, and advances long-term economic solutions that redress inequities that have too often left BIPOC and low-income communities behind;
* Moving swiftly to combat climate change, mounting an all-out campaign for rapid and equitable action to: recommit the United States to the Paris Agreement; build a resilient, affordable, and modern electricity grid powered primarily by renewable energy; speed the electrification of the transportation sector; and work with frontline communities to prepare for the effects of climate change;
* Working to stop a new arms race by reducing the role of nuclear weapons and new technologies such as hypersonic weapons in US security
* Promoting US agriculture policies that will help a new generation of diverse farmers grow healthy crops in ways that prevent pollution, protect soil health, and address climate change.

We provide scientific and technical analysis to inform policies to address the impacts of climate change, advance energy and vehicle technology solutions, make healthy food accessible for all, and reducing the risks of nuclear war. Specifically we are:

* building broad support for science based solutions
* mobilizing activists and scientists
* educating the public, media, and policy makers

Armed with data and evidence, UCS offers an independent voice of reason—clear, steadfast, and backed by science. Our scientists and analysts work directly with policymakers and the public to inform decisions that affect the environment, public health and safety, and more.

With a staff of more than 200 and budget of $41 million in 2021, 88% of every dollar contributed to UCS directly funds our program work.

To preserve our integrity, UCS does not accept corporate or government grants. Our funding comes from individuals and foundations who believe strongly that true science-based advocacy should be beholden to no special interests.

Our scientists never work alone. We partner with more than 1,500 organizations, mobilize our 24,000 Science Network members, tap the strength of more than 500,000 supporters and activists, and are powered by more than 120,000 committed donors.

UCS has always had an outsized reach. In our last fiscal year (October 1, 2019-September 30, 2020) we:

* Presented a comprehensive view of attacks on science in the federal government and offered ways that Congress can use its oversight power to protect against the further sidelining of science through our reports: The State of Science in the Trump Era and Science Under Siege at the Department of the Interior.
* Informed and helped ensure a bipartisan expansion of the EV tax credit was introduced in Congress, a result of numerous meetings with auto companies, educational briefings with policy makers, and leading a close collaboration with NGO and trade group allies.
* Helped secure a victory for clean car standards in Colorado by providing testimony, written comments, galvanizing local support, and mobilizing our activist network in support of the Low Emission Vehicle measure and Zero Emission Vehicle program, which were adopted.
* Released our new landmark report, Killer Heat in the United States: Climate Choices and the Future of Dangerously Hot Days, garnering extensive media coverage and providing tools for state and federal advocacy efforts.
* Contributed significantly to one of the most productive state legislative sessions for clean energy in decades, securing commitments to 100% clean electricity in Maine, New Mexico, and Washington.
* Enabled under-resourced and under-represented groups to participate in policy discussions on Capitol Hill through our facilitation of the Good Food for All coalition, a network of community-based, grassroots and national organizations who share a commitment to working collaboratively to advance racial equity through federal food and farm policy.
* Continued to play a major leadership role in Back From the Brink: The Call to Prevent Nuclear War, which we wrote with Physicians for Social Responsibility. It been endorsed by nearly 300 local, state and national organizations; 35 cities and towns; and six state legislative bodies.