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Critical Needs
Geosciences Meeting the Needs of the Nation

The geoscience community has the knowledge, experience, and ingenuity to address a wide range of societal needs. We study the complex geologic, marine, atmospheric, and hydrologic processes that sustain life and support a thriving society. The geosciences are positioned to support policy-makers across the range of challenges they face in supporting our nation.

Vibrant Economy

Geoscience fuels innovation, resilience, and economic vitality by powering industries, securing critical resources, and mitigating natural hazards.

Future Infrastructure

Geoscience lays the foundation for resilient and sustainable infrastructure, guiding material sourcing, hazard assessment, and climate adaptation. Geoscientific insights drive innovations that shape safer, smarter cities and sustainable development for generations to come.

Innovating the Future

Geoscience is the catalyst for groundbreaking innovation, advancing energy solutions, environmental stewardship, and disaster resilience that drives technological progress, sustains resources, and shapes a sustainable future.

National Security Strategies

Geoscience strengthens national security by ensuring critical mineral supplies, predicting natural hazards, and adapting to climate impacts which safeguards stability, supports defense operations, and enables resilient strategies for a secure future.

Protecting the Public

Geoscience safeguards communities by predicting natural hazards, managing environmental risks, and supporting public health initiatives which minimizes disaster impacts, protects ecosystems, and ensures resilient infrastructure for a healthier future.

Building U.S. Influence Across the World

Geoscience fosters global collaboration by addressing transboundary resource challenges, climate change, and disaster resilience. These activities strengthen diplomatic ties, promote sustainability, and build a foundation for international stability.

Download the PDF versions of the 2024 Critical Needs documents

Economy

Infrastructure

Innovation

National Security

Public Safety and Natural Hazards

Diplomacy

About the Critical Needs Effort

The Critical Needs effort is a geoscience community initiative organized by the American Geosciences Institute as part of its federating function. Every four years, aligned with new presidential campaigns, the community has drafted policy documents to help the new administration and congress understand the ways the geosciences can support the nation’s needs. With the 2024 cycle, we are endeavoring to make the Critical Needs documents living entities that will be continuously updated as the needs of the nation evolve.

Contributors to Critical Needs

Prior Critical Needs Documents

2020 Critical Needs Document

2016 Critical Needs Document

2012 Critical Needs Document

2008 Critical Needs Document