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AGI Releases Critical Needs Document for 2020

AGI collaborates with its federation of geoscience Member Societies to provide an overview of critical issues and policy recommendations for the next presidential administration, federal agencies, and the U.S. Congress. The document, Geosciences Supporting a Thriving Society in a Changing World, informs policymakers about ways that the geoscience community’s knowledge, experience, and ingenuity can address society’s most pressing issues.

Critical Needs Document Identifies Challenges and Solutions for the Next Presidential Administration

Every four years, AGI’s Member Societies come together to develop a shared statement on the critical needs for society that the geoscience can directly address. The resulting document, commonly known as the Critical Needs Document, not only identifies needs but provides examples of how the geosciences address those challenges. The document is provided to presidential campaigns as well as key congressional committees and members with related interests.

The 2020 edition focuses on how the geosciences can address nine critical needs to support the recovery of the economy and position society for sustainable growth. Additionally, this year’s edition includes both legislative timelines related to each focus area as well as a proxy data timeline reflecting the impacts of those policies.

Critical Needs Addressed in the Document

  • Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change
  • Ensuring Sufficient Supplies of Clean Water
  • Developing Energy to Power the Nation
  • Building Resiliency to Natural Hazards
  • Managing for Healthy and Productive Soils
  • Expanding Opportunities and Mitigating Threats for Oceans and Coastal Areas
  • Managing Waste to Maintain a Healthy Environment
  • Training and Retaining a Diverse and Robust Workforce

Quote from AGI Interim Executive Director Sharon Tahirkheli

The geosciences play a crucial role in our ability to manage the challenges and opportunities in areas such as food, water, energy, infrastructure, population growth, climate change, and technology. AGI and its Member Societies are proud to help inform the critical conversations taking place and vital decisions being made in policy.

To view the document, visit the AGI Geoscience Policy webpage. A printed version is available for purchase from Amazon.com at https://www.amazon.com/Geosciences-Supporting-Thriving-Society-Changing/dp/BO8FP1SVXH.