The Geological Society’s Scientific Statement “
What the Geological Record Tells us About our Present and Future Climate” shows how carbon emissions from human activities are causing climate change. The geological record provides powerful evidence that atmospheric CO2 concentrations drive climate change, and supports multiple lines of evidence that greenhouse gases emitted by human activities are altering the Earth’s climate. These changes directly affect our environment as well as the health and wellbeing of humans across the world. Anthropogenic climate change needs to be slowed, stopped and ideally reversed by meeting or exceeding the targets for emissions reductions set out in the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Meeting these targets will require a fundamental shift in how we produce and consume energy. Earth scientists have a vital role to play in supporting this shift. The transition from hydrocarbons to renewable energy will require more mining for critical elements and resources, such as lithium and cobalt. Earth scientists will also be vital in developing the infrastructure to support renewable energy technology and delivering low carbon energy solutions. Furthermore, Earth scientists are currently at the forefront of maximising efficiency in the recovery and use of the non-renewable energy resources needed to support societies while low carbon energy sources come into widespread use. Resource extraction to support the energy transition should operate in ways that, at a minimum, meet fundamental responsibilities in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption as defined in the UN Global Compact and Sustainable Development Goals.
As a Society, we have embedded these considerations into our responsible investment
policy and our
science programme. Through a refreshed approach to our science programme, we seek to support Earth scientists through the energy transition and leverage their collective expertise to reduce the risk society faces from various Earth hazards, including those exacerbated by rapid climate change, and contribute to a sustainable future on our planet.
Tackling anthropogenic climate change is imperative, as our Scientific Statement demonstrates, and Earth scientists have a key role to play in the solution to this challenge. In partnership with others, we can help secure a better and more equitable future for all.