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GEOREF RECORD

The dilemma of the geologist; Earth resources and environmental policy

Lee C. Gerhard
The dilemma of the geologist; Earth resources and environmental policy (in A paradox of power; voices of warning and reason in the geosciences, Charles W. Welby (editor) and Monica E. Gowan (editor))
Reviews in Engineering Geology (1998) 12: 1-7

Abstract

American environmental policy has developed over the last 25 years under a preservation ethic, which is a dilemma for geologists who must explore for and develop earth resources for society. Geologists have a professional responsibility to provide the earth resources, upon which society absolutely depends, in a society that values unspoiled scenic vistas more than the earth resources they contain. Recent federal elections have amplified public debate over the appropriateness of current environmental laws and policy. Impacts of environmental preservation policies are seen in a decline in standard of living, in lack of consensus on priorities, and lack of science in risk management. In order to sustain society"s needs for earth resources, we must reexamine our stance about environmental standards, and develop a holistic approach to balancing societal needs for resources with societal desires for a pleasant physical environment. Human health and safety should be our most important goals; recreation and esthetics are of lesser importance to most of the world"s population.


ISSN: 0080-2018
EISSN: 2169-799X
Coden: GAEGA4
Serial Title: Reviews in Engineering Geology
Serial Volume: 12
Title: The dilemma of the geologist; Earth resources and environmental policy
Title: A paradox of power; voices of warning and reason in the geosciences
Author(s): Gerhard, Lee C.
Author(s): Welby, Charles W.editor
Author(s): Gowan, Monica E.editor
Affiliation: Kansas Geological Survey, Lawrence, KS, United States
Affiliation: North Carolina State University, Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, Raleigh, NC, United States
Pages: 1-7
Published: 1998
Text Language: English
Publisher: Geological Society of America (GSA), Boulder, CO, United States
ISBN: 0-8137-4112-2
References: 13
Accession Number: 2003-042452
Categories: Environmental geology
Document Type: Serial
Bibliographic Level: Analytic
Illustration Description: illus. incl. 1 table
Secondary Affiliation: GeoLogic Company, USA, United States
Country of Publication: United States
Secondary Affiliation: GeoRef, Copyright 2017, American Geosciences Institute. Reference includes data supplied by the Geological Society of America, Boulder, CO, United States
Update Code: 200314
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