Abstract This volume is a collection of papers authored by senior managers and heads of Geological Survey organizations (GSOs) from around the world in an attempt to provide a benchmark on how GSOs are responding to national and international needs in a rapidly changing world. GSOs face an uncertain future and need to understand global trends. Whereas population trends are somewhat predictable, societal responses to change are much less so and technological change is fundamentally disruptive and chaotic. As countries adopt sustainable development principles and the public becomes increasingly (but not necessarily reliably) informed about environmental issues using social media, the integration of resource development and environmental stewardship becomes increasingly important. GSOs will continue to provide key information about Earth systems, natural hazards and climate change in this context. This introduction comprises a short review of the global trends affecting GSOs, a snapshot of the state of GSOs, examples of how GSOs are adapting their activities to the modern world, including the growing use of big data, and an examination of international collaboration between GSOs. The time is perhaps ripe to reinforce international collaborations through a global network of GSOs. To achieve this will require leadership and a focus on the big picture of global sustainability.

Abstract Social development and rapid growth in the world's population has followed a remarkable technological development the past hundred years. Revolutions in agriculture and industry, medical innovations and new production technologies, have led to an increased standard of living for a larger part of the Earth's population. Megatrends for future developments are lining up and predictions for the next 40 years are numerous. Most ideas about our future societies imply new and innovative geo-scientific achievements. Towards 2058, we will have virtually surveyed and mapped every corner of the Earth. We will have detailed 3D images of the urbanized areas, and 4D models to assist to make reliable forecasts in a world of increased pressure on the natural resources and changing ecosystems. By 2058 the Green Stone Age is established, and we will use all elements in the periodic system and more rare minerals to support new materials and technological solutions. The major energy supplies will be CO 2 free. The agriculture will be more efficient, distribution and consumption of food will be more rational, and we will harvest from more marine food chains than today. More than 70% of the people on Earth will live in megacities and urban areas. Our cities will become smarter and greener, cars and public transport will be self-driving and autonomous tools using artificial intelligence to automate functions previously performed by humans. Substantial resources will be used to repair damaged ecosystems, and most important, we will use materials and products that have fewer negative consequences for the environment. The 17 UN goals for sustainable development are guidelines into the future, and geological surveys should serve as key instruments in the transformation into smarter and more sustainable societies. We are already on our way providing critical minerals for low carbon energy solutions, marine knowledge for blue growth, plans for green and smarter cities, and advanced digitalization for public services, as shown by examples in this present paper.

Abstract Global population growth, urbanization, increasing standards of living in many developing countries, climate change and reformation of (renewable) energy supply are among the most important trends of the twenty-first century, accompanied by a continuous need for conflict mitigation and peacekeeping as well as civil society's right to political participation. Goals for global sustainable development relate directly to the role and key expertise of geological surveys. The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources of Germany (BGR) supports these goals by adapting its agenda and scientific skills to global needs under the paradigm of ‘sustainability, responsibility and safety’. Our understanding of sustainability is the balance between economy, ecology and societal needs. Here, we report on the results of the recent adaption process within the BGR, giving a forecast for the upcoming decade. From now on, we will screen socio-economic developments continuously and adapt our work to the needs in politics, economy and society based on our knowledge and experience acquired over the last decades.

Abstract EuroGeoSurveys (EGS) is a not-for-profit organization representing 37 national geological surveys and some regional surveys; it has an overall workforce of several thousand experts. EGS members provide official, interoperable, homogeneous, reliable, INSPIRE (infrastructure for spatial information in the European Community)-compliant public data on the subsurface for the benefit of society in terms of circular economy development, sustainable management of the subsurface resources, understanding and combatting climate change and the development of infrastructures and mitigation of geology-related natural hazards. The EGS is committed to establishing a geological service for Europe based on three pillars: (1) joint research with impact on EU policy level, which is being implemented through the GeoERA programme (Establishing the European Geological Surveys Research Area to deliver a Geological Service for Europe); (2) harmonizing and sharing pan-European geological data, through the European Geological Data Infrastructure (EGDI); and (3) sharing knowledge, capacities and infrastructure, through the pan-African support to the EGS-Organization of African Geological Surveys (OAGS) Partnership (PanAfGeo project). The EGS will continue to support the EU in its transition to a low-carbon, climate-neutral, resource-efficient, socially and environmentally resilient economy, in full compliance with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.