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PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND PRACTICES - COLUMN 169


Topical Index-Table of Contents to the Professional Ethics and Practices Columns


A topically based Index-Table of Contents, “pe&p index.xls” cov ering columns, articles, and letters to the editor that have been referred to in the PE&P columns in Excel format is on the AIPG web site in the Ethics section. This Index-Table of Contents is updated as each issue of the TPG is published. You can use it to find those items addressing a particular area of concern. Suggestions for improvements should be sent to David Abbott, dmageol@msn.com


Compiled by David M. Abbott, Jr., CPG-04570 5055 Tamarac Street, Denver, CO 80238 303-394-0321, dmageol@msn.com


Climate Change, Younger Members, and AIPG’s Membership


Some of AIPG’s membership (primar- ily older members?) remain skeptical of climate change for a variety of rea- sons. Other AIPG members (particu- larly Students and Young Professionals) are convinced of the reality of climate change. A problem can arise when one of the skeptics clearly expresses this skepticism as a Section or other leader in AIPG and these views (plus a leader- ship position) cause those convinced of climate change to wonder whether AIPG is a worthwhile organization for them. As an organization, AIPG cannot afford to drive away actual and potential younger members.


I asked Brandy Barnes, the 2018 Young Professional Member of the National ExCom, for her thoughts on the subject. She replied,


Our organization has specific goals to uphold professionalism and ethics in all types of geoscience professions. Communication, professionalism, and problem-solving skills are key skills for the young scientist (or scientists) as they seek growth in their careers. Having a firm grasp of these key com- ponents will ensure that the young scientist is successful navigating the most effective and efficient path when that path is not always clear due to dif- fering opinions in the industry. There is a widespread generational gap in the geosciences; with that comes the understanding that geology is evolv- ing, and scientific techniques are improving. Humans are very opinion- ated, and your colleagues, coworkers, and employers may not share your own views. This only gives you more opportunities to express and expand your skills in professionalism and communication.


www.aipg.org


A couple of things to keep in mind moving forward: we need to under- stand that the organization does not support specific views and we also should consider the context in which we present material. Be aware of your communication strategies and of upholding the values of AIPG. A young professional can benefit from mentorships and learning from the wisdom of our senior members and the growth and changes that have taken place throughout their careers. For those in our industry, we need to be patient as the young scientists learn and grow; they have different mind- sets and experiences from previous generations.


Ideologies may vary by genera- tion, but as long as professionalism is at the forefront, progress can be achieved. They are the future of our organization and the geosciences, we can all work together to create a stronger foundation for our profes- sional community.


To our students and young profes- sional members, consider the same. Your mentors have walked a differ- ent path than you likely will. Do not be discouraged by people who think differently from you, but find new ways to encourage people to review your opinions or data. Do not create a habit of fleeing during disagreements; understand why people think the way they do and move forward. Make progress and practice those skills of communication, professionalism, and problem solving. The “art of listening” is a rewarding tool that can be utilized in every aspect of life. Consider this quote form Bryan H. McGill, “One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.”


In general, I believe this is an important topic and fabulous practice for all of our members. Always be an advocate for yourself and the profes- sion, we all can grow and become even better communicators and profession- als, which in turn benefits our future in the geoscience community.


The following topic, “Environmental Disenfranchisement,” discusses a relat- ed issue. Also, the articles, Climate Change: Are We Changing or Not? and William Greenslade’s review of What science reveals about the nature of end- less climate change address aspects of climate change.


Environmental Disenfranchisement


A very interesting article, “Louisiana coastal loss drives ‘environmental dis- enfranchisement,’” in the September 2018 AAPG Explorer focused on the work of Sam Bentley of the Louisiana State University’s College of Science and the study of the changing coast line of Louisiana. Bentley points out that, “Conditions are dire for much of the coastal region of the Mississippi River Delta and our children will see a coastal landscape that we might not recognize.” The well-known changes in the Mississippi’s discharge point, the migration of deltas, have led to the buildup of land in one area and subsid- ence in others. More recently, human activity of various kinds has impacted this process. For example, Bentley notes that the damming of the Missouri River cut the sediment load delivered to the Mississippi River Delta by “50 percent or more.” Bentley states that the biggest factors affecting coastal Louisiana— erosion plus subsidence plus sea level rise—have led to shrinkage of the coast that negatively impacts coastal com- munities. People have been voluntarily leaving coastal areas because of flooding risks from hurricanes and subsidence.


Jan.Feb.Mar 2019 • TPG 41


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