skip to main content
US FlagAn official website of the United States government
dot gov icon
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
https lock icon
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


Title: Ideas and perspectives: Biogeochemistry – some key foci for the future
Abstract. Biogeochemistry has an important role to play in manyenvironmental issues of current concern related to global change and air,water, and soil quality. However, reliable predictions and tangibleimplementation of solutions, offered by biogeochemistry, will need furtherintegration of disciplines. Here, we refocus on how further developing andstrengthening ties between biology, geology, chemistry, and social scienceswill advance biogeochemistry through (1) better incorporation of mechanisms,including contemporary evolutionary adaptation, to predict changingbiogeochemical cycles, and (2) implementing new and developing insights fromsocial sciences to better understand how sustainable and equitable responsesby society are achieved. The challenges for biogeochemists in the 21stcentury are formidable and will require both the capacity to respond fast topressing issues (e.g., catastrophic weather events and pandemics) andintense collaboration with government officials, the public, andinternationally funded programs. Keys to success will be the degree to whichbiogeochemistry can make biogeochemical knowledge more available to policymakers and educators about predicting future changes in the biosphere, ontimescales from seasons to centuries, in response to climate change andother anthropogenic impacts. Biogeochemistry also has a place infacilitating sustainable and equitable responses by society.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1637661 1855277 1637685 1832221
PAR ID:
10251401
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Biogeosciences
Volume:
18
Issue:
10
ISSN:
1726-4189
Page Range / eLocation ID:
3005 to 3013
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
More Like this
  1. Synopsis Over recent years, recognition of the need to develop climate-smart marine spatial planning (MSP) has gained momentum globally. In this roundtable discussion, we use a question-and-answer format to leverage diverse perspectives and voices involved in the study of sustainable MSP and marine conservation under global environmental and social change. We intend this dialogue to serve as a stepping stone toward developing ocean planning initiatives that are sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient around the globe. 
    more » « less
  2. The world's eastern boundary upwelling systems (EBUSs) contribute disproportionately to global ocean productivity and provide critical ecosystem services to human society. The impact of climate change on EBUSs and the ecosystems they support is thus a subject of considerable interest. Here, we review hypotheses of climate-driven change in the physics, biogeochemistry, and ecology of EBUSs; describe observed changes over recent decades; and present projected changes over the twenty-first century. Similarities in historical and projected change among EBUSs include a trend toward upwelling intensification in poleward regions, mitigatedwarming in near-coastal regions where upwelling intensifies, and enhanced water-column stratification and a shoaling mixed layer. However, there remains significant uncertainty in how EBUSs will evolve with climate change, particularly in how the sometimes competing changes in upwelling intensity, source-water chemistry, and stratification will affect productivity and ecosystem structure. We summarize the commonalities and differences in historical and projected change in EBUSs and conclude with an assessment of key remaining uncertainties and questions. Future studies will need to address these questions to better understand, project, and adapt to climate-driven changes in EBUSs. 
    more » « less
  3. null (Ed.)
    Artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies are increasingly prevalent in society. Many teens interact with AI devices on a daily basis but often have a limited understanding of how AI works, as well as how it impacts society more broadly. It is critical to develop youths’ understanding of AI, cultivate ethical awareness, and support diverse youth in pursuing computer science to help ensure future development of more equitable AI technologies. Here, we share our experiences developing and remotely facilitating an interdisciplinary AI ethics program for secondary students designed to increase teens’ awareness and understanding of AI and its societal impacts. Students discussed stories with embedded ethical dilemmas, engaged with AI media and simulations, and created digital products to express their stance on an AI ethics issue. Across four iterations in formal and informal settings, we found students to be engaged in AI stories and invested in learning about AI and its societal impacts. Short stories were effective in raising awareness, focusing discussion and supporting students in developing a more nuanced understanding of AI ethics issues, such as fairness, bias and privacy. 
    more » « less
  4. As we enter an era where the synergy between AI technologies and human effort is paramount, the Future of Work is undergoing a radical transformation. Emerging AI tools will profoundly influence how we work, the tools we use, and the very nature of work itself. The ’Human Computation, Equitable, and Innovative Future of Work AI Tools’ workshop at HCOMP’24 aims to explore groundbreaking solutions for developing fair and inclusive AI tools that shape how we will work. This workshop will delve into the collaborative potential of human computation and artificial intelligence in crafting equitable Future of Work AI tools. Participants will critically examine the current challenges in designing fair and innovative AI systems for the evolving workplace, as well as strategies for effectively integrating human insights into these tools. The primary objective is to foster a rich discourse on scalable, sustainable solutions that promote equitable Future of Work tools for all, with a particular focus on empowering marginalized communities. By bringing together experts from diverse fields, we aim to catalyze ideas that bridge the gap between technological advancement and social equity. 
    more » « less
  5. The value of scientists engaging with community members and other public audiences is widely recognized, and there is a growing literature devoted to the theory and practice of public engagement with science. However, as a group of professionals concerned with how public engagement is understood and practiced in the fields of ecology and environmental science, we see a need for accessible guidance for scientists who want to engage effectively, and for scientific leaders who want to support successful public engagement programs in their institutions. Here, we highlight six attributes of successful public engagement efforts led by scientists and scientific institutions: (1) strategic, (2) cumulative, (3) reciprocal, (4) reflexive, (5) equitable, and (6) evidence‐based. By designing and developing practices that incorporate these attributes, scientists and scientific organizations will be better poised to build two‐way linkages with communities that, over time, support science‐informed decision‐making in society and societally informed decision‐making in science. 
    more » « less