The European Federation of Geologists (EFG) participated in the 30th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP30) on Climate Change, held from 10 to 21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil. EFG was represented by Global Ambassador Maureen Gallagher and President David Govoni. This marked EFG’s third appearance at the COP, reflecting its long-standing commitment to advancing geoscience within global climate governance. During COP30, the EFG delegation presented the EU-funded projects GENESIS and FIC-Fighters, showcasing practical examples of how geoscience drives climate resilience, sustainable resource management, and nature-based solutions.
EFG highlighted the essential contributions of geoscientists to climate action, which can be explored through the This is Geoscience initiative by The Geological Society, the UK’s national association within EFG. The EFG delegation focused on advocating for the vital role of geologists in climate adaptation and resilience, promoting responsible and ethical management of natural resources, supporting the global transition to clean energy technologies, and strengthening international collaboration and knowledge exchange across the geoscience community. Geoscientists provide the scientific foundations for sustainable mineral development, groundwater management, carbon storage, hazard mitigation, and nature-based resilience approaches. Ensuring that geological expertise is embedded in climate decision-making is fundamental for achieving strategies that are effective, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable.
EFG’s activities in Belém emphasised the importance of strengthening the bridge between science and society. Particular attention was placed on engaging youth and indigenous communities, encouraging meaningful participation in climate dialogue, and promoting approaches to science communication that inspire evidence-based decision-making.
Throughout COP30, EFG participated in several high-level pavilion events featuring experts, young scientists, and community leaders. Key events included:
- Voices for Regeneration: Youth, Knowledge and Skills for Climate Action – Wednesday, 12 November 2025, 09:30–11:00 (GMT–3), Italy Pavilion: Maureen Gallagher led EFG’s involvement, presenting the EU-funded FIC-Fighters project and highlighting the key role of geoscience, communication, and youth engagement in addressing climate change. The Italian National Council of Geologists (CNG) was the official co-organiser of this session. The recording of Maureen’s presentation is available here.
- Using Nature to Tackle the Challenge of Climate Change: Businesses and Urban Regeneration – Friday, 14 November 2025, 13:30–15:00 (GMT–3), Italy Pavilion, organised by UN Global Compact Network Italy and RemTech Expo: EFG President David Govoni and Global Ambassador Maureen Gallagher stressed that Europe’s green and digital transitions cannot be achieved without geological knowledge. CNG, represented within EFG, reaffirmed this message through a letter prepared for COP30 by CNG President Roberto Troncarelli, demonstrating Italy’s commitment to advancing geoscience-based climate and sustainability solutions. The EU-funded projects GENESIS and FIC-Fighters were presented.
- Global Geoscience: Youth Speak Earth’s Carbon and Water Futures – Wednesday, 19 November 2025, 13:00–13:45 (GMT–3), Finland Pavilion: Maureen Gallagher delivered an interactive communication workshop, building science communication skills, particularly for intergenerational knowledge transfer. The EU-funded project GENESIS was presented.
During these forums and discussions with stakeholders, EFG emphasised that geoscience underpins every stage of the energy transition, from securing critical raw materials and supporting low-carbon technologies to enabling geothermal energy, carbon storage solutions, and resilient nature-based approaches for water, soil, and infrastructure systems. Earth-science-based industries contribute an estimated EUR 200 billion annually to the EU economy. Globally, the mining and materials sector is valued at approximately USD 2 trillion, with the critical minerals segment expected to reach USD 586 billion by 2032. With Europe requiring up to EUR 800 billion per year to meet its 2030 transition targets, geoscientific expertise is a strategic asset for competitiveness and autonomy. Modern defence, space, and digital systems rely on 34 critical raw materials, 17 of which are classified as strategic, yet more than 80 per cent of refining capacity is concentrated in a small number of countries. Geoscientists therefore play an essential role in global resource mapping, supply-chain intelligence, circular-economy innovation, and infrastructure resilience. Reflecting this, EFG, the International Raw Materials Observatory, and EuroGeoSurveys issued two key position papers – Geosciences Supporting the EU Competitiveness Compass and The Critical Role of Geoscience in EU Defence and Security Policy – which underscore how geological expertise is fundamental to Europe’s strategic autonomy and long-term security.
COP30 negotiations also highlighted key policy areas directly linked to geoscience.
Energy-transition minerals were acknowledged as critical for achieving global climate goals, as noted in the COP30 Outcome Report, although several observers pointed out that their treatment was scaled down in the final text of the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP). EFG, which has been advocating on this issue since COP28, stressed the need for clear, science-based guidance and highlighted the crucial role of professional geologists, including EurGeol title-holders, in mineral value chains.
The conference further strengthened global attention on Nature-based Solutions(NbS) and forest protection, emphasised through frameworks such as the Belém Declaration. EFG contributed to this debate through its dedicated sessions and the promotion of the EU-funded GENESIS project, demonstrating that geological and hydrogeological assessments – including soil stability, infiltration, and subsurface characterisation – are essential for successful NbS implementation. NbS projects rely on geotechnical evaluations, soil and subsurface mapping, and sediment analyses for river and coastal restoration. Geologists and hydrogeologists should therefore be fully embedded in NbS development teams to ensure durable, effective outcomes.
Adaptation finance and risk assessment also emerged as central priorities at COP30, with political commitments significantly increasing available funding. This expansion drives a growing demand for detailed local and regional geological risk assessments. Geological expertise is vital for addressing hydrogeological hazards, subsidence, coastal erosion, and vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure, creating new opportunities for geoscientists to contribute to multilaterally funded adaptation and resilience projects.
Finally, COP30 placed strong emphasis on indigenous rights and land governance, including commitments to recognise Indigenous land tenure and to restrict large-scale extractive projects in sensitive areas, such as parts of the Amazon. These developments directly impact exploration, geothermal development, and mining. EFG underlined that this shift reinforces the importance of strong ethical standards within the geoscience profession. Professional titles such as EurGeol help build trust and demonstrate an ethical and responsible approach in all territories, including Indigenous lands.
The European Federation of Geologists concluded its participation at COP30, reaffirming its role as the voice of over 50,000 geoscientists across Europe and a global network of more than 150,000 professionals. Through its engagement, EFG highlighted the critical contributions of geoscience to climate action, sustainable resource management, and resilient infrastructure. The Federation continues to promote excellence in professional practice, support national geological associations, and raise public awareness of the vital role geoscientists play in society. EFG’s 2024 Policy Manifesto further underscores its commitment to advancing the profession, calling for the international recognition of standards such as the EurGeol title, addressing the global geoscience skills gap, and integrating geoscience expertise into global governance frameworks, including climate policy and defence strategy.
Next year, COP31 will be in Antalya, Turkey, from 9 to 20 November 2026.
Learn more about EFG’s participation at COP30 by watching the video updates from the event and find a selection of pictures below:
