Boulder, Colo., USA: This new book from the Geological Society of America emphasizes "geological stewardship for the good of humankind." In the their introduction, editors Gregory Wessel and Jeffrey Greenberg write, "The challenge of doing science for the public good is not for the faint-hearted. It requires an ability to imagine what a better world might be like and a concern for the future of others as well as your own descendants."
The book calls for geoscientists to be "more proactive in applying their research skills to earth environments, communities, and populations of greatest need."
To that end, the contributing authors to this 39-chapter volume offer an overview of the applications of the geosciences to sustainable development and geo-philanthropic efforts worldwide and advice to guide the creation of development projects.
The book covers general principles and guidelines for creating sustainable solutions, building foundations for effective international development, the importance of ethical and social values, the motivation behind sustainable development, and how geoscientists can best become development practitioners.
Topics include electric vehicle batteries, water development aid in Ethiopia, potential mineral hazards in California, groundwater resources in Haiti, teaching earthquake-resistant building techniques in Guatemala, and U.S. Army-Afghan hydrological development efforts.
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Individual copies of the volume may be purchased through The Geological Society of America online store, http://rock.geosociety.org/store/ http://rock.geosociety.org/Store/detail.aspx?id=SPE520, or by contacting GSA Sales and Service, gsaservice@geosociety.org.
Book editors of earth science journals/publications may request a review copy by contacting April Leo, aleo@geosociety.org.
Geoscience for the Public Good and Global Development: Toward a Sustainable Future
edited by Gregory R. Wessel and Jeffrey K. Greenberg
Geological Society of America Special Paper 520
SPE520, 478 p., $79; GSA member price $55
ISBN 978-0-8137-2520-8
View the table of contents: http://rock.geosociety.org/store/TOC/spe520.pdf