The Global Geoscience Initiative
01 February 2013
The Global Geoscience Initiative (GGI) is a major international endeavor designed to optimize the outcomes of geoscience research on the safety, health and welfare of humankind. Primarily supported by the American Geosciences Institute (AGI), the Geological Society of America (GSA), the British Geological Survey (BGS), and the Geological Society of London (GSL), the GGI seeks to focus the efforts of the geoscience community on a few major research thrusts to produce significant positive societal impacts.
The GGI has hosted five town hall meetings since 2009 to discuss the feasibility and desirability of pursuing such a global initiative. Comprised of internationally recognized leaders in geoscience, active researchers, and students, these groups gauged reactions to potential research topics, and the role social sciences should play in the initiative. Most recently, the GGI met in Brisbane, Australia in conjunction with the 34th International Geological Congress (IGC) to discuss the initiative. During the meeting, participants put forth numerous recommendations for action going forward, and submitted potential research topics, including natural hazards, developing energy and mineral resources, and ecological concerns.
A full report on the town hall meetings, including power points presentations and conclusions can now be accessed online. The report will be presented to the Executive Committee of the International Union of Geological Sciences at their meeting in Paris in February. Implementation of the initiative will be discussed and actions on next steps identified.
‘The Geological Society of London is proud to be supporting this important initiative’ said Edmund Nickless, Executive Secretary of GSL. ‘The geosciences are key to many of the global challenges we currently face, from water and energy supplies to natural hazards. The GGI will be a crucial part of the international cooperation which is needed to ensure the application of geosciences research to these challenges.’