A GEOSCIENCE COMMUNITY INITIATIVE FOR A THRIVING HUMANITY

The geosciences are integral and vital to the three pillars underpinning sustainability (i.e., environmental, economic, and social development). However, up to now the most visible roles for the geosciences with respect to sustainable development have been found in supporting environmental integrity during human activity and mitigating harm from natural processes on economic and social systems. With the goal of ensuring fulsome engagement by the geoscience community across the three pillars, the American Geosciences Institute has launched its Geoscience for Sustainability initiative (GfS). This project is focused on highlighting exemplars of constructive geoscience engagement and developing tools to facilitate geoscience activities in ways that promote sustainability and support a thriving humanity. For example, one tool being developed is a clearinghouse of case studies that illustrate how geoscience projects can contribute to sustainability. Other tools being incubated include databases of academic literature demonstrating how attributes of the geosciences relate to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), inventories of existing and in-process legislation that can have effects on how the geosciences interface with the pillars, and a knowledgebase of federally-supported geoscience research that maps into sustainability impacts as models for future successful proposals. GfS has also invigorated AGI’s efforts to enhance education for students, the geoscience community, and the public regarding how the geosciences affect elements of sustainable development. This has included the design of educational resources that use the SDGs as a framework for demonstrating the relevance of earth science learning. As well, two distinct tools have been developed for conveying information about activities within various careers as they relate to sustainability. These include a Career Explorer website that links personal interests, career goals, and SDGs to geoscience occupations. The other is the Climate Career Game that elucidates how individuals weigh impacts of climate change against occupational opportunity, location, and social factors in decision-making. AGI is actively seeking input and partnerships on these and other features of the GfS initiative so it is as broadly representative as possible across the geoscience community.