Earth's surface has been in constant flux throughout time, but in recent decades the pace and extent of human-induced changes has reached unprecedented levels. With Earth's population projected to peak at 8 to 12 billion people by 2050 and the additional stress of climate change, it is more important than ever to understand how and where these changes are occurring.Increasingly, innovation in the geographical sciences is advancing our knowledge of place-based environmental change, sustainability, and the impacts of a rapidly changing economy and society. Over the past few years, geographic information has become more accessible through dynamic maps and imagery of the Earth's surface, and geographic concepts have opened up new understandings of the evolution of places and landscapes, and the causes and consequences of geographic variations.
At the request of the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Geographic Society, and the Association of American Geographers, the National Academies established a committee to identify research initiatives that take advantage of recent technological advancements, inspire continued innovation in the geographical sciences, and advance understanding of the major issues facing Earth. In this report, eleven strategic directions are outlined to focus research and leverage new technologies to harness the potential that the geographical sciences offer.
Report Interview
A recent interview of Dawn Wright, professor of geography and oceanography at Oregon State University, who served on the National Research Council’s Committee on Strategic Direction for the Geographic Sciences in the Next Decade.
- A major theme in the geographical sciences will be how to understand and respond to environmental change and the human role in these changes
- Geographical research should follow eleven strategic directions in order to take advantage of recent technological advancements, inspire continued innovation, and advance understanding of the major issues facing Earth.
- Leveraging technological advances will allow scientists to better observe, analyze and visualize the changing world, leading to new insights for the betterment of society and environment
- The geographical sciences could help recognize and cope with the rapid reorganization of economy and society
- With Earth’s population growing rapidly, the geographical sciences could help promote sustainability
The division produces 60-70 reports per year. These reports are unique, authoritative expert evaluations. Each report is produced by a committee of experts selected by the Academy to address a particular statement of task and is subject to a rigorous, independent peer review. The experts who volunteer their time participating on study committees are vetted to make sure that the committee has the range of expertise needed to address the task, that they have a balance of perspectives, and to identify and eliminate members with conflicts of interest. All reports undergo a rigorous, independent peer review to assure that the statement of task has been addressed, that conclusions are adequately supported, and that all important issues raised by the reviewers are addressed. Thus, while the reports represent views of the committee, they also are endorsed by the Academy.
Primary Board:
Board on Earth Sciences and Resources
Sponsor(s):
National Science Foundation