Unequal research experiences among Earth scientists from around the world are an obstacle to achieving sustainability. We assess challenges and propose ways to balance the careers of early- and mid-career researchers in the Global South with those in the Global North.

YESS: Young Earth System Scientists

Problems

  • scientific communities of the Global South are being held back in their contribution to Earth science knowledge creation, to the detriment of their societies
  • leads to unequal adaptation to environmental risks, aggravating climate injustice

Global South vs Global North problems

Solution proposals

Publishers

  • publishers offer fee waivers for low- and middle income economies
  • journals include early- and mid-career researchers from Global south in editorial boards
  • open editorial offices in Global South
  • double-blind peer reviews to reduce bias against Global South
  • account for research resources and data availability in the region
  • publish regional submission and acceptance statistics for transparency
  • language should not be an acceptance barrier (use LLMs)

Global South institutions

  • host project offices
  • lead international projects
  • organize relevant scientific events

Global North

  • recognize privileges
  • avoid reproducing colonial bias
  • clear communication conscious of language barriers
  • invest in research infrastructure and data access in the Global South

General

  • host conferences in countries with lower visa barriers
  • allow languages other than English in conferences (simultaneous translation)
  • make online resources available in different languages
  • ensure access to long-term, fairly paid job opportunities
  • ensure diverse representation among speakers
  • facilitate visa applications for Global South participants
  • offer scholarships to support Global South researchers
  • foster Global South-North and South-South collaborations

Other

  • easier to get permanent positions in Global South
  • they are not well paid