Zaragoza, October, 2024 – The 5th International Professional Geology Conference (IPGC), co-organised by the Spanish Official Association of Geologists (ICOG), the Portuguese Association of Geologists (APG), and the European Federation of Geologists (EFG), will take place from 5-7 November 2025 in Zaragoza, Spain. The event will showcase the vital role that geology and geologists play in shaping and supporting a just society.
The current geoscience workforce, globally, is estimated to be approximately 1.3 million. Geologists are skilled scientists that study the impacts of climate change on the environment such as landslides, coastal erosion, sea-level rise, droughts and floods. Putting them at the forefront of addressing some of society’s most urgent challenges today, they ensure reliable, secure and ethical access to renewable energy sources, sustainable mineral supplies, and effective water and soil management.
The European Green Deal and the Inflation Reduction Act set ambitious climate goals with aggressive timelines with the aim of significant greenhouse gas reduction and use of renewable “green” energy. Geologists are essential to this transition at a time that interest in the profession is dwindling. The 5th IPGC will promote the profession with inclusion of a job fair and a focus on youth participation.
The implementation of EU initiatives such as the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) or the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) will require a larger skilled geological workforce than currently exists in Europe. There is increasing demand for geologists, and many countries will rely on the profession’s international mobility to compensate labour shortages. EFG and its national association members stand ready to support the new European Commission in upcoming initiatives announced in the Political Guidelines that are expected to tackle the skills and labour gap, such as the Union of Skills and the STEM Education Strategic Plan.
The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) has estimated a workforce shortage of approximately 130,000 geoscientists by 2029. The American Institute of Professional Geologists, an AGI member and Partner of the IPGC, provides certification for professional geologists working in the United States. Equally, EFG, through its European Geologist title, certifies geology professionals and offers continuing education through its Training Academy, to meet these evolving demands. Canada and Australia have similar professional certifications, highlighting the importance of professional ethics in this sector.
Under the theme “Building on the Past, Advancing towards the Future: Geology in the Era of Technology”, the 5th IPCG conference will serve as a critical platform for sharing strategies to bridge the skills gap and showcase geologists as key players in global climate action and resource management strategies.
EFG President David Govoni said, “Geologists are key to achieving global and European sustainability goals. The 5th IPGC is an essential opportunity for the profession to showcase our ability to lead solutions that address energy, resource, and climate challenges.”
For more information, please visit the official website of the 5th IPGC Conference.
—
About ICOG:
The Official Spanish Association of Professional Geologists (Ilustre Colegio Oficial de Geologos, ICOG) was established in 1978. Its basic aims are the management, within its competence, of the activity or practice of the profession of geology, and exclusive representation and advocacy of professional geologists. ICOG organises a general assembly and conference annually and workshops occasionally, and regularly prepares documents for national authorities in order to promote the recognition of the profession. Tierra & Tecnología is an electronic magazine with continuous information and articles. For more information see: https://cgeologos.es/
About APG:
The Portuguese Association of Geologists (Associação Portuguesa de Geologos, APG) was founded in 1976. It is a non-profit, socio-professional association that brings together Geology professionals dedicated to diverse fields within the scope of Earth Sciences. Is a founding member of the European Federation of Geologists and a member of the Portuguese Federation of Scientific Associations and Societies. For more information see: www.apgeologos.pt
About EFG:
The European Federation of Geologists (EFG) stands as the largest and most influential professional organization for geoscientists across Europe. With 27 national associations as members, EFG directly represents approximately 50,000 individual members and indirectly reaches a broader community of over 100,000 geoscientists. Beyond Europe, its network extends globally through collaborations with world-leading geoscience organisations, particularly with associated national association members in Australia, the USA, Canada, and South Africa. For more information see: www.eurogeologists.eu
___________________
Media contact:
Guillermo Prados, ICOG, Communications Manager: gprados@icog.es
Monica Sousa, APG, Executive Director: msousa@apgeologos.pt
Anita Stein, EFG, Communications Manager: comms@eurogeologists.eu
