Why a Whole Week?
Why do we need an Earth Science Week when we have an Earth Day? If you ask me, the reasons for both events are the same—our lives, and just as important, our societies depend on the wealth that this planet provides. But here are two reasons for having a separate event.
First, the proponents of Earth Day have settled on a consciousness-raising program centered around the plants and animals. They have kept things simple, at the level of poppies and puppies. Endangered species, threatened habitat, pollution control and international laws to save the whales are absolutely worthy of this effort. And that message is plenty for one day. Earth Day works for what it needs to do, but it's not enough time for what Earth Science Week needs to do.
Because, second, saving the whales will not save us. If you think of the human race living on Earth like a family living in a house, Earth Day is about cleaning house. But our house needs more than a spring cleaning—it needs fixing up. It needs repairs, new furnishings for the new tenants, and better appliances to serve their needs.
That work is not like picking up trash from the beach, which anyone can do. It calls for professionals, scientists and technicians who know how the house is constructed. They must learn ways to run a mine properly, find the right waste disposal site, fix ruined ground, locate clean water, and restore worn-out soil.
Turning young people on to a career in Earth science, and keeping others reasonably informed about it, takes at least a week, and in fact there are events during most of October.
Earth Science Week's Roots and Goals
Earth Day began in 1970 as a political event, aimed at affecting public policy. Earth Science Week began in 1998 as part of the American Geological Institute's 50th anniversary. But it has a public policy goal, too—to raise awareness of the value of Earth resources. Behind that is a desire to strengthen science teaching in public schools and halt the erosion of public funding for geological research. I think it's necessary, not just desirable, to teach and fund more Earth science, so I really hope you'll check out Earth Science Week.
If you're touched by some part of Earth Science Week, whether it's cookie mining or visiting the Salt Institute, then drop me a note to say so. Because this is my contribution to the event—to get you there.
PS: Some people don't confine their work to just one week, because there are groups that actively oppose Earth science all year. I'm thinking of the National Center for Science Education, which fights creationists who are trying to hijack the public schools. Give their site a visit this week, too.
