Geoscience in action: advancing sustainable development

Maria Capello*, Emer Caslin, Iain Stewart, Denise Cox, Anna Shaughnessy, Estella Atekwana, H.K. Handley, Ted Bakamjian, Ludivine Wouters, Miriam Winsten, Vimal Singh, Kombada Mhopjeni

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Book/ReportBookAcademic

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Abstract

Geoscience will play a vital role in solving the challenges we face

It is estimated that more than 400,000 people work globally as geoscientists. The profession is, nevertheless, going through an identity crisis. University enrollment in geology courses is declining in many countries. There is a sense that the profession needs to find a new purpose that is more in tune with evolving societal needs and the expectations of budding scientists.
Consequently, appointments to academic posts in sustainability geoscience are becoming more common, traditional petroleum geology courses are being rebranded as geo-energy courses and many mining geology courses are now encompassing natural resource management. In industry, fossil-fuel and mining companies are beginning to extend their renewable energy and new minerals portfolios and to reskill their staff in sustainability thinking.
Written by leading geoscientists from across the globe, Geoscience in Action: Advancing Sustainable Development seeks to inspire geoscientists everywhere to give more focus to advancing sustainability by showcasing case studies of how geoscience is already addressing climate change and other global challenges. In Delhi, India, for instance, geoscientists worked with regional civil servants to alleviate a water crisis by utilizing overflow from floodplains, becoming a model for other riverine cities.
Educators can use these case studies as manuals to show students the myriad ways in which they can make an impact with a geoscience degree. Scientists wishing to offer their expertise to find sustainable solutions can use this report to find organizations with which to partner.
We need more geoscientists in our society to be part of the decisions shaping our future. Geoscience in Action not only explains why—it shows us how.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherUNESCO
Number of pages104
ISBN (Print)78-92-3-100580-0
Publication statusPublished - 2023

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