GSA CROWDSOURCES CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS

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 solutions for climate change challenges that can be implemented within a two- to three-year timeframe. GSA used multiple social media platforms to solicit feedback from its membership and community during the two-week comment period. GSA also conducted targeted outreach to ensure the project received responses from students, early career professionals, groups underrepresented in the geosciences, as well as from multiple sub-disciplines and other stakeholders who might not receive GSA members’ communications. 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 responses. The community noted that 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.