Ideas and perspectives: Biogeochemistry – some key foci for the future
2021
Abstract. Biogeochemistry has an important role to play in many
environmental issues of current concern related to global change and air,
water, and soil quality. However, reliable predictions and tangible
implementation of solutions, offered by biogeochemistry, will need further
integration of disciplines. Here, we refocus on how further developing and
strengthening ties between biology, geology, chemistry, and social sciences
will advance biogeochemistry through (1) better incorporation of mechanisms,
including contemporary evolutionary adaptation, to predict changing
biogeochemical cycles, and (2) implementing new and developing insights from
social sciences to better understand how sustainable and equitable responses
by society are achieved. The challenges for biogeochemists in the 21st
century are formidable and will require both the capacity to respond fast to
pressing issues (e.g., catastrophic weather events and pandemics) and
intense collaboration with government officials, the public, and
internationally funded programs. Keys to success will be the degree to which
biogeochemistry can make biogeochemical knowledge more available to policy
makers and educators about predicting future changes in the biosphere, on
timescales from seasons to centuries, in response to climate change and
other anthropogenic impacts. Biogeochemistry also has a place in
facilitating sustainable and equitable responses by society.
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