This blog is written by Natasha Dowey, Editor of Geoscience for the Future. Natasha recently visited Crater Lake in Oregon on fieldwork- she saw amazing volcanic rocks and got to swim in the middle of a volcanic caldera, which made her very happy!
This week, Geoscience for the Future turns 5 years old.
In that time, this initiative has led me to two amazing partners in crime, hundreds of incredible contributors, and over 70 fascinating stories of the power of geology in a rapidly changing world.
Geoscience for the Future was born from a place of despair, from a desire to change the narrative– to reframe how the public see our topic, to promote good news stories, and to encourage more people to take up this incredible subject.
But during the past five years, this initiative has changed me, and how I see geoscience, more than I expected.
Some of that change is due to my own changing path through life; from industry to academia; from teaching hard-rock geology to teaching environmental geoscience; from a mum of babies to a mum of young girls with their own opinions about science and our changing world.
But it is also from hearing the stories of our contributors, from talking to students, graduates, and experienced professionals about the topic we all love in different ways. This website has been a gift, because it has opened doors for me to meet so many new people, and to discuss fears and hopes for our subject. Geoscience for the Future has led me to new friendships (especially in Hazel and Jen!), new partnerships and collaborations, new research, and new hope.
In the past 5 years, through the work of this initiative and where it has led, I have seen more of this subject, more of its potential and its power, than I thought possible. That journey has shaped me as a researcher, as an educator and as a person. There is still a lot to learn, and a long way to go- many areas still need progressive action and improvement, particularly diversity and inclusivity- but being part of such a incredible multidisciplinary community makes those fights worthwhile.
The world has changed a lot in 5 years, and this initiative has too. When we first started out, geoscientists had more free time, contributors came to us with stories, and were able to do a lot more outreach work. We would happily reach out to those we felt may have a good story to tell.
Now, geoscientists in many sectors are more time pressured than ever and voluntary work can seem impossible. We are reluctant to ask anyone to contribute precious free tim, and we’ve had to be kind to ourselves and let Geoscience for the Future take it’s own path.
But that doesn’t mean we are stopping; we will still be on the look out for inspiring stories in 2025 and we will continue with our outreach work when we can. We will still be seeking those sparks of hope for a more sustainable world that make our subject so special.
Happy birthday Geoscience for the Future- let’s see what 2025 holds!