Environmental geoscience has played a pivotal role in the long-term development of human civilization, profoundly shaping human well-being and planetary health. From the perspective of the interplay between environmental geoscience and human civilization, this study reviews key milestone events to reveal how environmental issues have deeply influenced human societies, and elucidates the indispensable role of environmental geoscience in guiding civilizational transformation. Environmental geoscience is an interdisciplinary field that investigates the interactions between human activities and the surface Earth systems, aiming to understand and sustain a habitable planet. It integrates knowledge across the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, pedosphere in the context of Anthropocene, and provides scientific foundations for environmental protection, resource management, and human well-being maintenance. The core mission of environmental geoscience lies in exploring and building a "Habitable Earth" to meet humanity's basic needs for clean air, safe water sources, healthy soil and a stable geological environment. Environmental geoscience originated from the study of how to handle the relationship between humans and nature and is a core basic discipline for ecological civilization construction and sustainable development. This study identifies four major contributions of environmental geoscience to human civilization, highlighting its indispensable role within the complex social–ecological system. First, environmental geoscience establishes the theoretical foundation for agricultural civilization and ecosystem health by elucidating fundamental processes such as soil formation, nutrient cycling, water dynamics, and climate–biosphere interactions. These insights not only sustain food production systems but also enhance resilience against environmental stressors, thereby greatly broadening the cognitive boundaries of human knowledge and enabling more sustainable land-use practices. Second, it advances engineering geological technologies, offering critical scientific support for infrastructure development, natural hazard mitigation, and urban planning. By integrating geological assessment with technological innovation, environmental geoscience ensures the stability of foundations, reduces risks from earthquakes, landslides, and subsidence, and safeguards human settlements. This contribution is particularly vital in the context of rapid urbanization and large-scale engineering projects. Third, environmental geoscience promotes overall well-being through the adoption of the “One Health” concept, which recognizes the intrinsic interconnections among human health, ecological integrity, and environmental quality. By addressing environmental pollution, biogeochemical contamination, and emerging health risks, it provides a holistic framework to evaluate and manage the impacts of human activities under the integrated “human–biota–environment” system, thereby supporting public health and ecological sustainability simultaneously. Fourth, it expands global governance and international cooperation by bridging natural and social sciences. Environmental geoscience informs evidence-based policymaking on climate change, resource management, and environmental protection, facilitating transboundary collaboration and contributing to global sustainability agendas. Its interdisciplinary nature strengthens the scientific basis for international agreements and coordinated actions. Looking ahead, environmental geoscience must continue to undertake critical missions in addressing unprecedented global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, emerging contaminants, and resource scarcity. These challenges demand more robust theoretical frameworks, advanced monitoring technologies, and innovative solutions. Strengthening interdisciplinary research and fostering closer international collaboration will be essential for tackling complex social–ecological issues. By aligning scientific advancements with national strategies and global priorities, environmental geoscience can play a pivotal role in building a sustainable future. Ultimately, through integrating knowledge across disciplines and promoting inclusive global dialogue, it will further enhance human well-being and long-term societal sustainability. In conclusion, this study offers a comprehensive perspective on the contributions of environmental geoscience to human civilization, highlighting its enduring significance back to the history and far into the future. Through the synergies of scientists, policy-makers and the general public, humans can coexist peacefully with nature, and together create a more sustainable future.
Wu et al. (Wed,) studied this question.