LAUSR

Environmental Outcomes Associated With Transition From In-Person to a Virtual Oncology Conference During the COVID-19 Pandemic As worldwide conferences have transitioned from in-person to virtual formats, benefits have been discovered including expanded access and equity.1,2 However, the environmental benefits associated with reduced travel remain largely uncharacterized. It is estimated that conference attendance accounts for 35% of a scientist’s total carbon emissions.3 Given that climate change is an increasing problem with regard to human health and oncologic outcomes,4,5 it is imperative to begin to quantify, understand, and promote sustainable practices. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 American Radium Society (ARS) Annual Meeting transitioned to a virtual online conference. We aimed to estimate the travel-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with the transition of this meeting to a virtual platform.