Abstract The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) has a long history and over the years there has been a strong focus on traditional survey work such as geological mapping, research and advice to authorities on questions related to geological and natural resources. Many of the services provided are continuing in the years to come but modern, complex society engenders new questions, where decisions must be based on the best available knowledge, and geological surveys are key players to provide this knowledge to governments. In the new millennium, GEUS has entered into a number of long-term environmental monitoring programmes and several political sensitive projects. Key examples described include groundwater monitoring, assessment of the risk of pesticide leaching to the groundwater, disposal of low-radioactive waste, Carbon Capture and Storage the Continental Shelf Project of the Kingdom of Denmark, monitoring of the Greenland Inland Ice, and other activities on the ice shield. It is expected that GEUS will be involved in even more such studies in the coming years and that the modernization of classical studies will continue. The revised strategy of GEUS to be launched in 2020 will be focused on the institutions input to meet the United Nations sustainable goals.