GEOSCIENCES, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND INCLUSIVE DIVERSITY

The scholarly discipline of geosciences is central to a number of critical areas of scientific inquiry, including climate change. But, the field of geosciences has remained one of the least diverse fields, even within the science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). Among the documented causes of the persistent lack of diversity in the geosciences include early lack of access and opportunities, bias, discrimination, and harassment of scholars from minoritized communities. Because demographics of groups and institutions provide a window into the culture, climate, equity, and inclusion of minoritized scholars, I will present data on current and historic diversity in our scientific community; and discuss how lack of diversity continues to affect our science and the scientific community, and its implications for the welfare of the global population. I will also discuss how we can improve the culture and climate in academic institutions by building antiracist labs that promote beliefs, actions, or policies that people of different races and ethnicities are equal.