With a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Geological Society of America (GSA)
gathered input from the geoscience community to identify bold and creative ideas for translating
scientific research to climate change solutions that can be implemented within a two- to three-year
timeframe. Ideas focused on four specific questions.
GSA used multiple social media platforms to solicit feedback from its broad membership during the
two-week comment period. A web platform was created to submit text and video answers to questions
designed to elicit requested information. GSA also conducted targeted outreach to ensure the project
received responses from students, early career professionals, groups underrepresented in the
geosciences, multiple sub-disciplines and other stakeholders who might not be GSA members.
Additionally online brainstorming sessions provided opportunities for in-person interactions and
idea development.
GSA is grateful to its members and the broader community for their thoughtful input. The responses
received illustrate the fundamental role of geoscience in understanding climate change and its
impacts, sourcing needed materials for solutions, and designing effective mitigation,
geoengineering, and adaptation measures. Geoscience will be critical to understanding the changing
conditions that affect communities, such as water resources, agriculture, and extreme events, and
developing mitigation measures, such as low-carbon energy sources and carbon capture and storage.
Equitable partnerships and engagement with communities, particularly those most vulnerable to
climate impacts, are needed. These efforts must be prioritized, valued, and funded, which requires a
change in the culture and funding structure to be effective.
Read GSA’s full report to NSF. The American Geophysical Union, American Meteorology Society, and Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
also submitted reports.
We look forward to sharing next steps on this page as they become available.