Convergence in the Geosciences

The 21st century presents unprecedented challenges if society is to continue to provide abundant energy, water, and food, and high quality housing and medical care to a growing global population. Deforestation and aquifer depletion are at unsustainable rates, and use of fossil fuels is leading to unprecedented climate change. Geoscientists can confront these challenges by expanding partnerships with other disciplines. “Convergence,” the integration of engineering, physical sciences, computation, and life sciences to benefit health, energy, and the environment, has been successfully developed for biomedical research. It is time for the geosciences to embrace convergence, as our future depends upon it.