This editorial is written by the Geoscience for the Future team – Natasha Dowey, Hazel Beaumont, and Jen Roberts.
As we welcome 2022, we at Geoscience for the Future are reflecting back on 2021, our second year.
This time last year, when we wrote our 2020 round up blog, the big topic on everyone’s mind was Covid-19. Unfortunately, the pandemic and its impacts seem far from over, and Covid-19 continues to shape our world and our activities.
As the pandemic continued during 2021, Geoscience had much to be proud of. Geoscience educators had to continue to adapt their teaching, using amazing virtual resources to enhance the student experience and ensure students were prepared for their next steps. Geoscience students showed incredible resilience, with some continuing with online learning and others returning to classrooms and adjusting to new blended learning formats.
In 2021, those pushing for greater equity in geoscience gained ground. The lack of diversity and barriers to access in our discipline came under much-needed scrutiny (e.g. Where are the Black Geoscientists? Raji and Ali, 2021). In the summer, Geoscience for the Future contributors Dr Anjana Khatwa and Dr Jazmin Scarlett became the first women of colour to win awards from the Geological Society of London (R H Worth Medal and Presidents Medal respectively). Towards the end of 2021, multiple research projects to improve inclusion in environmental sciences were approved by a UK research funding council.
Climate change was at the forefront throughout 2021. Globally there were many extreme weather events, including storms, floods, wildfires and heatwaves; events that impact the poorest communities hardest and which are proven to be increasing in frequency as a direct consequence of the climate crisis. In 2021, the voices of climate activists from around the world, such as Vanessa Nakate, grew in prominence. In May, landmark court proceedings set a precedent for the future, with a ruling that oil and gas operator Shell cuts carbon emissions to align with climate targets. In August, climate scientists published the IPCC Special Report on global warming of 1.5°C, and a few months later the United Nations climate conference COP26 took place in Glasgow, Scotland. The vital role of geoscience in sustainable development was advocated for at the conference by the charity Geology for Global Development, who had UN-accredited observer status at the conference. The Geological Society of London were also present and wrote a blog for Geoscience for the Future reflecting on the role of geoscience at COP26.
Throughout 2021, Geoscience for the Future persisted in our mission to showcase positive, inclusive, sustainable geoscience for all. We continued to receive fantastic contributions to our blogs. We published articles highlighting the varied careers of geoscientists – from hazard modelling to water resource management to policy to nuclear forensics and environmental consultancy. Our authors showcased the critical importance of geoscience in a more sustainable future. For the full list of our 2021 blogs, see our round-up below!
Our #AskAGeo activities are also thriving! In 2021 we virtually visited school classrooms and university students to discuss geoscience careers, hazards, sustainable mining and more.
In 2022, we will continue to promote our amazing subject to as many people as possible. As ever, what we do is impossible without the geoscience community – if you want to join our outreach hub or share your story, please get in touch!
Happy New Year to one and all!
Blog Roundup!
A list of all the beautiful blogs we’ve had this year!
Next-Gen Geoscience and Broadening Participation
Our first-generation geoscience blogs were by different geoscientists on their experiences of being the first in their family to earn a University degree.
Jazmine Scarlett spoke to us about her heritage, her EDI work, and her research on volcanoes and video games
Stacy Hope talked about the role women play in making mining more sustainable.
Jen Roberts, our newest team member, wrote on the inequity in the race to net-zero
Clare Bond travelled to COP26 and shares her thoughts on gender and climate.
Chris Skinner discussed why geoscience needs gamers.
The Varied Careers of a Geoscientist
Louisa Brotherson told us about how her PhD in geoscience led to her helping shape policy.
Vera Uushona tells us about the importance of nuclear forensics and geoscience.
Rick Saville talked about his geotechnical career and how consultancy can help in saving our planet
Liam Herringshaw explained the importance of fossils for our future.
Our editorial discussed the need for students to study geoscience and the many ways geoscientists can help save the planet
Geoscience and Societal Hazards:
Pete Rowley revealed how modelling volcanic deposits allows us to better understand eruptions.
Mike Clare, Ian Kane and Elda Miramontes discussed the implications of microplastics on the oceans.
Heike Wanke reveals the secrets that springs tell us drinking water, geothermal energy, and contamination.
The Energy Transition & Climate:
The Geoscience for the Future team wove together perspectives on the future of the oil and gas sector
Stephen Wilkinson talked us through the latest IPCC Report and how to understand the small print.
Andy Emery discussed his personal transition from working in the hydrocarbon sector to using those skills for offshore wind development.
David Walls explained how we can harness heat from old mines
Our final blog of 2021 was geoscience reflections from COP26, composed by Gareth Jones, Megan O’Donnell, Alicia Newton, Nick Gardiner and Florence Bullough.
Inspired to write for us? Please get in touch!
Feature image: Global climate change strike protest demonstration: Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash