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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report addresses the three main aspects of international
activities in the geosciences--basic research, economic applications,
and the potential role of geosciences in U.S. foreign policy. Because
the three are closely intertwined, the current deficiencies and the
possible remedies overlap.
U.S. geoscience programs play an important role in international
activities. The committee, with members drawn -- ' ~
and government, has considered the activities ot American geologists
and other earth scientists in international programs in relation to
U.S. interests abroad, comparing them with those in the international
programs of other industrialized countries. The committee concludes
that ¢1) international geoscience needs to be strengthened to support
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from 1nauscry, academia,
the national interests of the United States: (2) geoscience personnel
and the knowledge they possess should be more effectively used in
helping to_formulate foreign policy: and (3) U.S. economic and
scientific interests can be strengthened by strong involvement of
American geoscientists in U.S. international programs.
Geologic processes are global in scope, and many geologic phenomena
that are known but imperfectly displayed in the United States must be
studied in other countries in order to be understood. The principles
of metallogenesis, tectonism, and crustal evolution that are applied to
geologic studies in the United States are derived from observations
made throughout the world. I--' ~ -~ ~
~ ~ . ~ . .
Geologic concepts tested in the United
braces are cased on SUCh worldwide studies of structural deformation,
seismicity, volcanism, and other phenomena. The joint participation of
U.S. geoscientists and their foreign colleagues in studies of
geological phenomena is indispensable for the advancement and
application of scientific concepts and techniques to economic and
policy issues in the United States.
Cooperative geoscience programs abroad can contribute information
to the important formulation and implementation of American foreign
policy in many fields, including international trade and investment
access to mineral and energy raw materials, water resources
development, isolation of hazardous wastes, development of seabed
resources, international boundary disputes, and technical assistance
programs. Such geoscience contributions must, however, be based on
up-to-date knowledge of world geology, resources, programs, and data
1
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sources acquired by U.S. geoscientists through involvement in
international programs, and interchange of ideas.
Geoscience programs conducted in cooperation with other nations can
significantly benefit the U.S. economy. Current information applicable
to mineral resource exploration and development is required to identify
potential sources of raw materials, especially those not available in
the United States. Also, U.S. industry needs the most accurate
information possible about foreign resources to compete successfully in
the international marketplace. Commercial and financial organizations
require geologically informed analysis of optimum or potential
production levels that bear on the self-sufficiency of other countries
so that wise decisions can be made on trade and investments. Industry
should be aware of opportunities for contractual geophysical and
exploration services, potential equipment sales, and knowledge of
mineral resources and reserves. Understanding of institutions,
programs, and policies in other countries is vital to our national
well-being.
The committee concluded that, with the exception of the petroleum
industry, participation by American geoscientists in international
programs has declined relative to that of many other nations over the
past two decades. The federal government can use the geological
sciences more effectively to support national security and resource
policy interests. Thus, it is not surprising that existing U.S.
programs of geoscience assistance and cooperation need strengthening,
and the United States should establish a mechanism for coordinating the
flow and transmission of geological and resource information from
abroad to meet our scientific, economic, and political needs.
Well-organized and well-supported programs in other countries, such as
the Federal Republic of Germany, France, Japan, the Soviet Union, and
the United Kingdom, show us that we should use the geosciences more
intensively to advance our international interests.
This report not only stresses the broad relevance of international
geoscience involvement to the conduct of U.S. foreign relations and the
promotion of U.S. economic interests abroad but also points out
specific areas where geoscientists and geoscience information could be
used more effectively. The report emphasizes the importance of global
geoscience research, showing how and why an enhanced international
research effort is necessary, not only to reinforce our position in the
world geoscience community but also to contribute more effectively to
the political, economic, and social well-being of citizens of the
United States.
Some specific needs and remedies are the following:
1. Foreign Policy. There is a need for a forum to increase the
awareness among nongeologists of the importance of geoscience
information in making decisions about foreign policy. Appropriate
mechanisms are needed for identifying and monitoring such concerns as
waste management, acid rain, hazard reduction, energy and mineral
resources, and desertification in order to find what actions are
required and practical. A vigorous program of cooperative basic
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research would help counteract any impression that the United States is
interested only in developing resources and assuring their access from
countries that are of strategic importance to us.
2. U.S. Economic Interests. To improve the competitive status
abroad, we should (a) improve the flow and exchange of relevant
geoscience information through the Science Attache and Regional
Resource Officer programs; (b) reestablish (through the Agency for
International Development or some other appropriate mechanism)
cooperative geoscience programs with Third World and other significant
countries. Such programs would involve studies in resources and
hazards, other geologic investigations, training of personnel, and the
publication of maps and reports.
3. Support for Basic Science. Because of the rapidly changing
character of geoscience research, we should (a) increase our capacity
for international consultation and exchange; (b) provide better support
for current and future science and technology agreements; and (c)
stimulate foreign field work by more U.S. geoscientists.
As an essential element to remedy existing deficiencies and to
develop a long-term mechanism for an increased geoscience contribution
to U.S. foreign policy, economic growth, and basic research, the
committee recommends the establishment of an American Office of Global
Geosciences whose advisory group would include both governmental and
nongovernmental representation. The committee envisions this office as
a small nongovernmental organization that would be financed by
government and industry, and possibly private foundations as well,
would serve as a clearinghouse for international geoscience information
and activities, and would help coordinate projects and activities
involving industry, academia, and government. It would provide
long-term continuity of dynamic leadership in enhancing the cooperative
role of the United States in international geoscience activities and
would actively promote the participation of U.S. geoscientists in
overseas research and development.
This office should be inaugurated and administered by an entity
dedicated to solution of the global geoscience concerns raised in this
report. Appropriate governing bodies include: (1) a consortium of
federal agencies, such as Bureau of Mines (BLM), U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS), National Science Foundation (NSF), National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA), and Department of Energy (DOE); (2) a
working group of solid-earth science professional societies such as
American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), American
Geological Union (AGU), and Geological Society of America (GSA); (3)
the American Geological Institute (AGI); and (4) a board or panel of
the National Research Council (NRC).
Having considered the importance of international geoscience
programs in formulating and implementing foreign policy issues, and in
advancing U.S. political, economic, and scientific interests abroad,
the committee further recommends that funding for international
geoscience activity should be increased in the overall federal budget.
As an immediate action, the committee urges that new funding be
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provided for international programs already in existence, for example,
in the National Science Foundation, U.S. Geological Survey, National
Aeronautics and Space Administration, Department of Energy, Department
of State, Bureau of Mines, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
Representative terms from entire chapter:
foreign policy
