The Reduced Environmental Impact of American Radium Society's 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting

ABSTRACT

Background: In response to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 American Radium Society (ARS) Annual Meeting transitioned to a virtual, online conference. As medical conferences around the world have transitioned to virtual formats, numerous benefits have been uncovered;however, the environmental effect of reduced travel on carbon emissions remains largely unknown. Today, it is estimated that conference attendance accounts for 35% of a scientist's total carbon footprint [1]. Given that the climate crisis is a growing threat to human health and oncology outcomes [2], it is imperative to begin to quantify, understand, and promote sustainable practices. Objective(s) We aim to highlight the reduced travel-related greenhouse emissions associated with the transition of ARS's 2021 Annual Meeting to a virtual platform in comparison to the 2019 in-person conference in Monarch Beach, California. Method(s) Data from the attendees of the ARS Annual Meeting was collected from 2019 and 2021 (the conference was cancelled in 2020). The distance traveled per attendee to the 2019 location (Dana Point, CA) and the 2021 intended conference location (Lahaina, HI) was estimated using the location of the attendees' home institutions. The mode of transportation was hypothesized based on distance traveled (automobiles < 300 miles;airline >= 300 miles). Approximate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were calculated using the Environmental Protection Agency's Greenhouse Gas Tools [3,4]. For the 2021 virtual conference, it was assumed that no travel took place. Alternatively, the associated CO2 emissions were estimated based on assumed internet usage (8 hours/day for the 3-day conference period) and food delivery (5 miles) for one meal which was sent free to each attendee. Additionally, the distance that would have been traveled by attendees to Hawaii was estimated. Result(s) A total of 591 conference attendees were identified, 253 in 2019 and 338 in 2021. For the 2019 in-person conference, the total carbon footprint for all assumed methods of transportation was determined to be 187,935.9 lbs of CO2 emissions, with an average of 820.7 lbs of CO2 emissions per attendee. Total emissions were equivalent to the emissions of 18.5 passenger vehicles for one year. Alternatively, the CO2 emissions spared during the 2021 virtual conference was estimated to be 519,153.5 lbs, the equivalent of 51 passenger vehicles for one year. However, emissions related to teleconference internet streaming and food delivery accounted for a total of 2,693.0 and 1535.8 lbs of CO2. Conclusion(s) Incorporating options for virtual attendance at academic conferences has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions. However, many believe that virtual networking cannot replace in-person interactions particularly for early-career attendees. Regardless, our professional societies have an obligation to investigate and promote greater sustainability of our annual meetings.