2019 Essay Contest Winner

Entry by Vedika Amin

“Why Earth Science Is for Everyone”

Earth science or geoscience affects and connects all life on earth, but not everyone can participate equally in it. Unfortunately, this field is the least diverse of all disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

The first step towards making Earth Science inclusive and equitable is to improve the system by enhancing teaching methods that impact student participation and reforming the workforce-influencing professional culture. Discriminatory processes are harmful to humanity and in the field of geoscience there are many. Earth sciences are considered inaccessible by those who are physically challenged, as the training programs often require gaining expertise outside of a laboratory or classroom. This problem can be solved by using and creating awareness of modern accessible technology. Furthermore, discrimination based on bias, color, race, gender, and ethnicity, must be abolished. Cultural acceptance within the scientific community and society is crucial, especially for women and the LGTBQ+ community, who are underrepresented. Geoscience pioneers Ethelred Bennett, Janet Watson, Mary Anning, Florence Bascom, Mary Emilee Holmes faced multiple systemic obstacles such as harassment, no professional recognition, were considered inferior to others with the same skills and were given poor remuneration for the same jobs, just like many female geoscientists encounter today. This skewed attitude must change!

In addition, our planet urgently requires systemic, economic, geopolitical and cultural changes to survive the fallouts of overpopulation, development and climate change which have created an unhealthy atmosphere, a deteriorated geosphere and biosphere, and a rapidly diminishing hydrosphere. The solution lies in increasing geosciences career opportunities worldwide!

Jimmy Carter once said, “The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices.” This is of extreme significance today, as we need the finest solutions that can only be provided by a reformed geoscience society.