Geoscience Futures
Geoscience is central to all our futures. Whether it’s the energy transition, clean water, feeding the planet, mitigating climate change, or building sustainable cities, the world needs geoscientists. But is the discipline of geoscience fit for purpose? In this podcast, well known broadcaster Professor Iain Stewart - along with colleagues Cam McCuaig and Neil Evans from the resources company BHP - talk to "thought leaders" in the field of geoscience, to discover their vision for the future of the discipline. How does geoscience reinvent itself for the great societal challenges of the 21st century? This is a podcast that grew out of a Unesco research project exploring the relationship between geoscience and the UN's sustainability goals. It is intended as a showcase for creative thinking about the future of geoscience.(As a consequence of Covid lockdowns, all the interviews were conducted via video conference and the audio quality sometimes reflects this.)
Geoscience Futures
Darryl Willis
Darryl Willis is a geoscientist with an extraordinary career, exciting ideas for the future of geoscience, and a gift for communicating his vision. He has jumped from the oil and gas industry into a leading role driving the energy transition as Vice President of Energy & Sustainability at Microsoft. Straddling the worlds of geoscience, energy and digital transformation, perhaps not surprisingly he sees the future of geoscience as intimately linked with solving future demands for energy in a way that reduces carbon emissions and improves access to energy. Understanding data and integrating it into geoscience more effectively is another key theme.
But when you listen to this conversation, what really strikes you is the excitement that Darryl conjures up around his ambitious vision for the future of geoscience. In his view, geoscientists have critical skills that are central to the challenges society faces – whether that’s coping with ambiguity in data, or the centrality of integrative thinking to the practice of geoscience.
This is a conversation full of passion and positivity.
(Note: there are a few minor technical issues in the recording of this interview.)