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Discover decision-relevant, impartial geoscience information that is rich with links to credible and impartial sources.

Case Studies

Browse our portfolio of case studies written by geoscientists for decision makers. Our case studies provide specific examples of how research in the geosciences can be applied to the decision-making process. AGI staff and an external review team work with the authors to ensure that all case studies are written and presented in a format and style that meets the needs and expectations of decision makers. For more information contact us at cipinfo@americangeosciences.org.

Factsheets

Browse our portfolio of factsheets written by geoscientists for decision makers. Our factsheets provide short, clearly written, and scientifically rigorous introductions to a range of topics, and suggest additional free resources for further exploration.

You can also browse our factsheet series, such as:

Geoscience In Your State. These factsheets highlight geoscience areas including, employment, water, minerals, energy and hazards in each state. They also demonstrate how federal research agencies, such as the National Science Foundation, U.S. Geological Survey, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration contribute beneficial geoscience information to each state.

Petroleum and the Environment. This publication provides a completely rewritten and expanded 2018 update to the original Petroleum and the Environment, published in 2003 as part of AGI’s Environmental Awareness Series. Taking the form of 24 standalone but complementary factsheets and case studies, Petroleum and the Environment provides a coherent, impartial look at the range of environmental questions relating to oil and gas operations in 2018.

For more information contact us at cipinfo@americangeosciences.org.

Maps & Visualizations

Peruse our collection of maps and visualizations that has been curated from federal and state agencies, including state geological surveys. We provide coverage of all 50 states, and the District of Columbia. The focus of our maps and visualizations collection is on interactive maps and visualization tools.

 

Research Database

As of July 2018, the Geological Surveys Database replaces the Critical Issues Research Database, providing an improved portal for decision makers and others to locate and comprehensively search state geological survey publications and U.S. Geological Survey factsheets. The Geological Surveys Database provides full-text searching of publications meaning that users can not only search metadata fields (i.e., title, author, notes, etc.), but also search against the entire text of the publications in the database in order to find the information they are seeking. The database also features interactive geographic searching of publications that have geographic coordinates, browsing of publications, faceted searching, and more.

To use the entire suite of features of the Geological Surveys Database, please visit https://statesurveys.americangeosciences.org.

2017 Transition Document

Geoscientists gather and interpret data about the Earth and other planets, providing the data, tools, and expertise to help solve some of America’s greatest challenges.This set of policy recommendations outlines ways to achieve our shared national interests where the geosciences play a significant role. The policy proposals build on the consensus document Geoscience for America’s Critical Needs: Invitation to a National Policy Dialogue, which was developed for the 2016 election. This report highlights the shared priorities of eight professional geoscientific societies that represent some 250,000 members. We in the geoscience community offer to share our scientific expertise and perspectives as you craft national policies to build a strong and competitive nation. The policy proposals laid out in this document are centered around five high-level thematic areas:

  • Enhancing national and homeland security,
  • Increasing economic prosperity,
  • Securing resources and strengthening national infrastructure
  • Supporting strong and resilient communities, and
  • Growing a dynamic workforce

 

Critical Needs Document

Explore the Critical Needs website
The geoscience community has the knowledge, experience, and ingenuity to address a wide range of societal needs. We study Earth’s systems, the complex geologic, marine, atmospheric, and hydrologic processes that sustain life and the economy. Geoscience expertise allows us to better understand and predict the interactions between people and Earth’s systems; such expertise is essential to developing solutions to critical economic, environmental, health, and safety challenges. The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) connects Earth, science, and people by serving as a unifying force for the geoscience community. On behalf of the geoscientists represented by the 51 member societies of AGI, we invite you to join us in a dialogue on how to achieve our shared interests in meeting America’s critical needs. This document outlines high-level actions to address major policy issues where the geosciences play a significant role.

Policy Publications

Read reports and factsheets written by AGI's Geoscience Policy and Critical Issue staff on topics that span the intersection of geoscience, policy, and societal issues.