THE GLOBAL NETWORK FOR GEOSCIENCE AND SOCIETY: CONNECTING SCIENCE TO SERVE THE PUBLIC GOOD

The challenges we face today, climate change, environmental degradation, resource depletion, and their associated social impacts, require coordination and cooperation between geoscientists and other societal stakeholders for us to craft effective solutions. These same problems often require actions across borders, and the people trying to solve these problems often suffer from a lack of resources and insufficient access to scientific expertise.

It is especially important for geoscientists to participate in and advance a culture of civic science, in which societal needs and diverse perspectives shape science, and scientific discoveries inform public understanding and policy. This is done by expanding our capacity to support scientists who engage with decision makers and members of the public, both individually and collectively.

It is for this reason that a group of geoscientists and educators have come together to create the Global Network for Geoscience and Society. Our mission is to strengthen cooperation and catalyze actions that support the global geoscience community by providing a network that enables cooperation and extends to all an opportunity to partner with others to advance resilience and sustainability.

Founded by volunteers from the GSA, the EGU, the AGU, Geology for Global Development, the Geological Survey of Sweden, and several universities and other organizations, the Network will bridge the gap between geoscientists and other communities so that they can develop sustainable, context-appropriate solutions to enhance resilience and sustainability at the grassroots level. It will highlight opportunities for civic-minded geoscientists, students, and others to address societal challenges related to natural resources, environmental contamination, natural hazards, and climate change. It will promote engagement with communities that are not always heard, such as indigenous groups, the impoverished, and communities of faith, and it will establish a mechanism to advise community groups regarding the geosciences and sustainability.

If you are a geoscientist interested in sustainability, or if you represent a government agency, a foundation or nonprofit, or a forward-looking for-profit corporation, we invite you to join us. Send us an email (info@thegngs.org) and we’ll be in touch.