Geoscience’s Role in Building U.S. Influence Across the World

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Geoscience fosters global collaboration by addressing transboundary resource challenges, climate change, and disaster resilience. These activities strengthen diplomatic ties, promote sustainability, and build a foundation for international stability.

Geosciences Impact on Diplomacy

The geosciences are integral to U.S. diplomacy and international relations efforts, particularly as a scientific basis for addressing complex global issues like water availability, resource-related trade, and climate impacts. Issues of environment, resources, and climate are not confined to political boundaries. For instance, insights from climate science and meteorology are crucial for forecasting and mitigating the impacts of climate change, including shifts in water cycles that affect water availability and societal stability worldwide. Changes in the oceans can influence global weather patterns, the health of fisheries, and large-scale ecological dynamics such as coral bleaching. While issues related to the distribution, availability, and wise management of resources such as water and minerals can lead to conflict — ​when well-managed they can be catalysts for stability and trade. By integrating these geoscientific insights into diplomatic strategies, the U.S. can enhance international cooperation, promote stability, and support sustainable management of global resources amidst changing political and climatic conditions.

Climate Change Agreements

Geoscientists provide essential information that shapes international climate policies and agreements. Their research helps to understand emissions impacts, global temperature trends, and the effectiveness of proposed mitigation strategies.

Water Resource Management

Geoscience expertise aids in the negotiation of transboundary water treaties and management strategies, essential for regions sharing water bodies and aquifers, ensuring equitable and sustainable use of water resources and conflict reduction.

Disaster Preparedness and Response

Geoscientists support international disaster response strategies by identifying natural hazards like earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, enabling better preparedness and collaborative international response efforts.

Energy Resource Diplomacy

Knowledge of geology is crucial in discussions about the exploration and exploitation of oil, gas, and mineral resources, determining accurate assessments of reserves, and helping to form agreements that are economically beneficial while minimizing environmental impact.

Maritime Boundaries and Oceanography

Oceanographers contribute to negotiations on maritime boundaries and the management of marine resources, including fisheries and mineral rights, which are vital for maintaining international maritime cooperation and legal frameworks.

Polar Region Affairs

Geoscientists are vital in shaping policies related to polar regions where issues ranging from climate research to territorial claims and resource exploitation require informed scientific input to guide international cooperation and treaties.

Atmospheric Pollution Control

Meteorologists and climate scientists provide critical data for international discussions on air quality and pollution control, helping to frame agreements that address cross-border pollution issues.

Nuclear Arms Control

Geoscientists lead the monitoring of underground nuclear tests. Their expertise supports international treaties like the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). This monitoring involves detecting and analyzing seismic activities that distinguish nuclear explosions from natural seismic events and maintains transparency and trust among nations in nuclear disarmament discussions.

Exemplars of Impacts of Geoscience on Diplomacy

Scenic view of a river winding through a rugged desert canyon landscape, with steep rocky cliffs on one side and lush green vegetation along the riverbanks. The clear blue sky contrasts with the rocky terrain and flowing water.

Geoscientists specializing in hydrogeology are crucial in the negotiation and implementation of transboundary water treaties. An example is the U.S.-Mexico Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program, where American and Mexican geoscientists collaborate to assess and manage water resources that span the border. This program relies on hydrological data to make informed decisions about water allocation, usage, and conservation, addressing both countries’ needs while ensuring sustainable water management practices. Such cooperation not only enhances water security but also strengthens diplomatic relations by promoting mutual interests and conflict resolution.

Seismologists contribute directly to international security and nuclear arms control by monitoring seismic activities associated with nuclear tests. Their expertise supports the verification processes under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which aims to eliminate nuclear explosions by all states. By detecting and analyzing seismic waves generated by underground nuclear tests, seismologists provide crucial evidence needed to enforce compliance with the treaty. This scientific monitoring helps maintain international peace and stability by preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and ensuring that countries adhere to their disarmament commitments.

Geoscientists play a pivotal role in shaping international climate policy through their contributions to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC gathers and synthesizes the latest geoscientific research on climate change, including data on atmospheric temperatures, oceanic cycles, and carbon sinks. This comprehensive body of knowledge helps in formulating global climate agreements by providing policymakers with a clear understanding of climate trends, potential impacts, and mitigation strategies. For instance, geoscientists’ input was instrumental in the development and adoption of the Paris Agreement, where nations committed to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Case Studies

A geoscientist in an orange jacket and hard hat installs a seismograph on a volcanic slope. In the background, two volcanic peaks emit plumes of white smoke, with rugged, ash-covered terrain and lush green forests under a bright blue sky. The Volcano Disaster Assistance Program (VDAP), a partnership between the U.S. Geological Survey and USAID, provides expertise in volcano monitoring and disaster response worldwide. This program enhances volcanic crisis preparedness, helping vulnerable communities mitigate the impacts of volcanic eruptions and improving international relations through cooperative disaster management.

A 1990s water sharing initiative brought together the U.S., Israel, Jordan, and Palestine to improve water security in the Middle East. By sharing water data and resources, the project fostered collaboration and peacebuilding, highlighting the role of scientific cooperation in resolving regional conflicts over natural resources.

U.S. geoscientists working with international organizations developed the Guarani Aquifer Agreement that facilitated the development of joint management plans for one of the largest transboundary aquifers in the world. This cooperation among Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay promoted sustainable water usage and regional collaboration.

U.S. geoscientists supported the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative through numerous programs supported by USAID within the Democratic Republic of Congo to improve sustainability of mines and reduce the flow of conflict minerals by enhancing transparency and governance in the extractive sector. This effort has been crucial for promoting sustainable management and stability in resource-rich regions.

Examples of Relevant Legislation and Policy

Executive Orders

14008: Addresses the global climate crisis through coordinating domestic and international approaches.

Congressional Legislation

118th H.R. 5874: Reauthorizes the United States-Mexico transboundary aquifer assessment program.

118th H.R. 4443: A bill that both addresses the trade of minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo relative to child labor and the relationship between the U.S. and Chinese interests in strategic minerals.

118th S.458: Establishes programs within Department of Energy and Interior, as well as with the Export-Import Bank to help secure mineral supplies for European partner nations and to coordinate with Mexico and Canada as partners in this effort to secure material independence for Europe from Russia.

Relevant Federal Agencies

  • US Department of State
  • US Department of Defense
  • US Department of Energy
  • Advancing Sustainability of U.S.-Mexico Transboundary Drylands: Proceedings of a Workshop (2018)
  • China-U.S. Scientific Engagement: Key Issues and Possible Solutions for Sustainability and Planetary Health: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief (2023)
  • Climate Security in South Asia: Proceedings of a Workshop (2023)
  • Innovation, Global Value Chains, and Globalization Measurement: Proceedings of a Workshop (2022)
  • Operationalizing Sustainable Development to Benefit People and the Planet (2022)

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