GEOSCIENTISTS MUST GET INVOLVED IN DEFINING CURRENT AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN ENERGY PRODUCTION AND IMPACT EVALUATION

As the human population continues to grow, global demand for energy is certain to increase. The consequences of this increase in parallel with expectations for a higher standard of living pose many critical questions about the future of our planet. How much energy will be needed by more than 7 billion people in 2020? 2040? Where will this energy come from? How are we going to manage the impacts of resource extraction? Is there such a thing as sustainable, nonrenewable energy? What can be done to encourage energy conservation and increase effi ciency? To answer these questions and understand the impact of humans on Earth, the expertise of geoscientists will be critical. Our understanding of the geosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere and the associated processes is needed to guide the public and other stake-holders in the myriad of challenges that we face. Geoscientists must take more active roles in leading energy-related conversations with decision makers in government and industry