GEOSCIENCE TAKING A RIGHTFUL PLACE, LEADING THE WORLD TO A MORE EQUITABLE AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Signs-of-the-Times clearly indicate the central place of geology in global resource- economics, politics, disasters, environmental sustainability and the destiny of nations. Real practice indicates that geoscience still lags behind other disciplines in fulfilling our potential role in studying and solving complex problems. Ecological biologists are lead practitioners in most environmental challenges. Engineers in various specialties tend to lead the way in most international-development projects, and social scientists (anthropologists, policy analysts and legal professionals) dominate much government and foundational attention. The increasing involvement of geologists exploring throughout the world for water supplies is an encouragement, even though much more can be done.

A strong role model for professional geoscientists exists in the person of Dr. B.E. Vijayam, from southeastern India. He is a distinguished researcher and teacher with a great heart to serve his nation and its people. He established five different NGOs to improve the human-environment conditions among the poor. Most noteworthy is Vijayam’s model of service, placing geological knowledge as the foundation for all development efforts. This emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of geoscience and its fundamental importance in development planning. Artisanal mining is one example, where Indian village women collected very pure quartzite to sell for optical-quality glass. Vijayam was able to recognize the potential of the local bedrock in establishing microenterprise. Among many other actions, he applied some basic geomorphic design in helping to halt erosion of fragile farm soils.

In a more-perfect world, geologists would assume the position of project managers and supervisors. Our circumspect abilities, gained from interdisciplinary, academic breadth, should organize diversities of expertise to address and hopefully solve great problems of international significance.