FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Maureen Moses (mmoses@agiweb.org)

1/28/2014

American Geosciences Institute Welcomes the Geological Association of Canada as a Member Society

Alexandria, VA - The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) welcomed a new member organization to its ranks in January, 2014. The Geological Association of Canada (GAC) was officially added by AGI’s Member Society Council as a full member.

Understanding the natural systems that make up the North American continent does not stop at political boundaries. Issues like the Cascadia megathrust fault capable of producing earthquakes and tsunamis across the US-Canadian border; energy and mineral development across the continent, the possibility of an ice-free arctic and a common cause in fostering geoscience as a factor in the decision making processes of the public and policymakers in both countries. These trans-national concerns underscore the importance of professional networks in the upcoming decades.  By becoming a member of the AGI Community, geoscientists from both countries have another avenue for professional networking.

 “As Canadian earth scientists we share many of the same concerns and interest as our US colleagues and it follows that we should have a common North American interest in strengthening the bonds that already link us.“ stated GAC President Dr. Richard Wardle, “Canadian and US earth scientists have a long history of collaboration on earth science issues. GAC hopes to deepen that relationship and provide further opportunities for interaction on earth science issues of the day. GAC also hopes to increase the visibility of Canadian earth science within the North American community and to foster greater interest in Canadian earth science contributions and opportunities.”

AGI adds new organizations to its membership that advance the geosciences as a scientific and professional endeavor, and demonstrate the value that the geosciences provide society. Along with a broader view of North American geoscience, AGI Executive Director Dr. P. Patrick Leahy notes that GAC’s inclusion will provide, “Increased exposure for members of the AGI Federation to the Canadian geoscientist, as well as their issues, challenges, opportunities, and best practices within the geosciences.”

For more information on the Geological Association of Canada: http://www.gac.ca/.

###

The American Geosciences Institute is a nonprofit federation of 50 geoscientific and professional associations that represents more than 250,000 geologists, geophysicists and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in the profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society's use of resources, resiliency to natural hazards, and interaction with the environment.