The geoscience discipline now and in the future
This set of survey results explores the current and future states of the geoscience discipline, highlighting the experiences, challenges, and evolving needs of earth scientists across various career stages. It examines the relevance of key earth science topics, the importance of continuing education, and the perceived value of professional licensure. The analysis explores the anticipated shifts in relevant geoscience topics, employment sectors, and in-person activities, as well as the broader implications for the field in the coming decade.
Geoscience in 2024
When asked about being an earth scientist in the 21st century, about half of early, mid-to-late-, and late career participants and a third of early-to-mid career participants highlighted the challenges and negative experiences related to the profession. Early-to-mid career participants were the most positive in their comments about the profession, with about one-third of early and late career participants also expressing positive views. Negative experiences often involved feelings of frustration, defeat, or demoralization, with participants describing situations where they felt undervalued, overwhelmed, or unappreciated, impacting their morale and sense of worth in the field. Comments about challenges referred to inherent difficulties or obstacles that could be overcome with effort, skill, or adaptation. These challenges, while complex and demanding, were also seen as opportunities for growth and problem-solving, without necessarily conveying defeat or negativity.
Approximately half of participants across cohorts identified earth systems, climate, and atmospheric science as highly relevant topics for today’s world. Early career participants also noted natural hazards, while late career participants mentioned energy and resource topics. When asked about topics that were not relevant, most participants agreed that all earth science topics were pertinent.
Participants identified various employment sectors needing earth science skills, with the energy and raw materials sector consistently noted by all cohorts, ranging from 15% of early career to 26% of late career participants. Other sectors noted included government agencies, private firms, environmental companies, and academic institutions.
Continuing education topics deemed necessary for earth scientists included programming, math, and technology. Communication courses were mentioned by early and late career participants, while mid-to-late career participants also emphasized the need for lab and field courses, as well as policy and law courses. Early and early-to-mid career participants also mentioned science and engineering courses.
Professional licensure for earth science occupations was seen to be of low or declining relevance by a fifth of late career and a quarter of early-to-mid career participants. Just over a fifth of early and early-to-mid career participants noted that professional licensure was moderately or conditionally relevant. Mid-to-late career participants deemed licensure to be at most moderately to conditionally relevant; however, due to low response rates, the percentages in these categories appear high. Between one-fifth to one-third of participants in other cohorts acknowledged the positive aspects of licensure, though perspectives were likely influenced by the majority of participants working in or pursuing academic roles where licensure is not required.
Looking ahead to 2035
Topics participants expected to gain relevance and popularity in 2035 varied by cohort. Comments from early and mid-to-late career participants focused on understanding, mitigating, and adapting to climate change, transitioning to sustainable energy sources, and managing critical resources. Early-to-mid career participants noted sustainable management of natural resources and the shift to sustainable energy. Comments from late career participants focused on climate change adaptation and mitigation as well as managing natural hazard impacts.
Topics expected to lose relevance and popularity in 2035 centered around hard rock geology subjects such as petrology, mineralogy, geomorphology, sedimentology, and structural geology, as well as non-renewable resource extraction, such as mining and oil and gas exploration.
Employment sectors anticipated to need earth science skills in 2035 included the energy and raw materials sector and government agencies. Mid-to-late career participants also highlighted the finance and insurance sector, while late career participants pointed to businesses involved in climate adaptation and mitigation.
In-person activities predicted for 2035 primarily involved fieldwork and data collection, with some participants also mentioning lab work, conferences and workshops, collaborative interactions, and research and development, though to a lesser extent.
Early-to-mid career responses are not shown due to low response rates.
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