Geology plays an essential role in many areas of the economy. economic growth and sustainability, as well as societal wellbeing, will require reliable supplies of energy and mineral resources, a dependable supply of clean water and the secure and sustainable production of food. All this will be contingent on sustained investment in technology, infrastructure, education and skills development.

A new report prepared by the Geological Society of London, “Geology for Society” which examines the many and varied contributions of geosciences to modern communities.

It outlines many of the ways in which geology is of value to society. Geology underpins the provision of most of the resources on which the population and industry of developed countries depend, including energy, minerals, water and food.

Many vital services also depend on geology, including management of the waste we produce; ground engineering for the construction of buildings, roads, dams, tunnels and other large infrastructure projects; and remediation of a wide range of environmental problems, including land contaminated by industrial use.

The report provides an overview of each of these essential areas and highlights the importance of ensuring a skilled geoscience workforce and strong research base, to equip society to face the unprecedented challenges of the 21st century.

The report os aimed at policy and decision-makers as well as the wider public and is as relevant to readers in other countries as those in the U.K..

12 Feb 2013