The Changing Role of Geological Surveys
Senior managers and Heads of Geological Survey Organizations (GSOs) from around the world have contributed a collection of papers to provide a benchmark on how GSOs are responding to national and international needs in a rapidly changing world. GSOs continue to provide key scientific information about Earth systems, natural hazards and climate change. As countries adopt sustainable development principles and the public increasingly turns to social media to find information about resource and environmental issues, the generation and communication of Earth science knowledge become increasingly important. This volume provides a snapshot of how GSOs are adapting their activities to this changing world. The different national perspectives presented converge around several common themes related to resources, environment and big data. Climate change and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals provide an increased incentive for GSOs of the world to work in harmony, to generate knowledge of Earth systems and to provide solutions for sustainable management of the planet.
Challenges for geological surveys deriving from global megatrends: The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources of Germany's perspective and answers
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Published:November 10, 2020
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CiteCitation
Ralph Watzel, 2020. "Challenges for geological surveys deriving from global megatrends: The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources of Germany's perspective and answers", The Changing Role of Geological Surveys, P. R. Hill, D. Lebel, M. Hitzman, M. Smelror, H. Thorleifson
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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.
- Central Europe
- data processing
- development
- digitization
- energy sources
- Europe
- geologic hazards
- geoscience
- Germany
- government agencies
- ground water
- institutions
- international cooperation
- mineral resources
- mitigation
- natural hazards
- natural resources
- programs
- radioactive waste
- renewable energy
- risk assessment
- soils
- survey organizations
- sustainable development
- waste disposal
- Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources of Germany