GATHERING CRUCIAL GRASS-ROOTS ALLIES IN GEO-STEWARDING A DEGRADED PLANET

The Global Network for Geoscience & Society (GNGS) is envisioned to be a grand clearinghouse for matching interdisciplinary expertise with the many needs of people and nature. The common organizing factor is geoscience in its broadest sense. Any honest analysis will conclude that “practitioners” of the earth are best suited to lead seeking solutions to many of the most dauting problems threatening all life. Even a cursory review of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), begs for geoscientific engagement. Unfortunately, applied geoscience is not widely recognized or respected by government, academia, and the general public.

The mission of the GNGS includes communication and cooperation among the diversity of professional organizations comprising local, regional, national and international members. That portion of the network provides service to others, representing specific needs and their locations. That other, receiving side of the service includes local communities, both rural and urban.

In order to effectively confront needs at the grassroots level, project by project, four (among other) important working relationships should be established. Without these assets, initiatives will likely be destined to failure. Faith community and ethnic leadership, student associates as pre-professional apprentices, trained extension agents in rural and urban context, and mission-oriented charities (like Rotary International), each represents a valuable adjunct in achieving successful project results. Each of these requires due attention in cultivating their cooperation. The interdisciplinary nature of geoscience, particularly applied to natural resources (water, soils, minerals), natural hazards, land-use planning, and energy provision, will foster our efforts to incorporate others as colleagues in struggles to meet the SDGs and in sustainable community development.