Geo-science, soil science and environmental preservation: an emerging nexus

In the modern era, the world at large is facing the worst ever environmental degradation. Albeit the natural environment is being damaged rapidly since the dawn of civilization yet it has gained momentum with the onset of Industrial Revolution in 18th century in Europe. Population explosion, mis-management of natural resources, rapid deforestation, excessive application of chemicals and shrinkage of natural capital (biodiversity) are the main contributory causes towards the ecological decay. Geoscience deals with lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere in their current state as well as their historical genesis. Geologists have special interest in geological phenomena, earth soil formation, biotic an-biotic resources, metals non-metals and terrestrial generation regeneration. Environmental disciplines are concerned with physical environment (land, water, raining water, air, wind, climate etc), biological environment (flora, fauna, wildlife, etc) and socio-economic-cultural factors (like social life, lifestyle, income level, education status, health infrastructure, agriculture, irrigation, businesses industries). From the above discourse it is evident that both environmental geo-sciences are inextricably linked together and support each other from their respective domains. In most of the educational institutions in Pakistan Earth Environmental Sciences and Soil Environmental Sciences are taught in the same departments. Both subjects significantly share towards the protection of environment at local, provincial, natural, regional and global levels. Seismologists, miners, environmental scientists, geologists, geotechnologists, biologists, agriculturists, medicare specialists, irrigation engineers and many others need to work together for the perpetuation of humanity and biodiversity on the Planet Earth by minimizing pressure on the carrying capacity of environment. In the same backdrop new disciplines like Environmental Geology, Green Chemistry, Environmental psychology, Ergonomics, Environmental Health and Medical Geology have emerged. It is noteworthy that geology and soil sciences provide support for the human beings, plants animals to live and perform their respective tasks. It is recommended to undertake research works on the interactions among the said disciplines, of course, considering the geo-environmental scenario at all local, regional and global levels. It is the most opportune time for integration of various branches of knowledge in the best interest of our universe and its occupants. An integrated approach will lead to manage the earth and environmental resources in the most efficient manner.