The Future of Professional Geology

 

by M. Regueiro¹

¹ Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Serrano 117, 28006 Madrid, Spain.

* Corresponding author: m.regueiro@csic.es

Abstract

This paper explores the findings of a survey conducted by the author with the members of the Board of the Spanish Official Professional Geologist. The survey sought to gather insights and opinions from members of the board regarding the future of professional geology, considering current global trends in geosciences and the evolving demands of professionalism. The study addresses key questions aimed at understanding the shifting landscape of geological practice and its implications for professionals in the field. Professional associations are uniquely positioned to act as catalysts for growth and resilience in the field. The survey examines their potential to foster collaboration, advocate for professional standards, support lifelong learning, and provide a platform to address emerging risks, including climate change, resource scarcity, and regulatory challenges. The paper presents the results of this survey, analysing trends, opportunities, and potential obstacles facing the profession. It also offers a comprehensive set of conclusions and recommendations aimed at guiding both individual professionals and professional associations toward a sustainable and impactful future. These recommendations emphasize the need for adaptability, innovation, and a commitment to professional ethics to ensure that geology continues to play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges.

Keywords

professional geology, survey, future trends, challenges, professional associations

Note:

Papers published in this special issue of the European Geologist journal have undergone a thorough peer-review process but have not been copy-edited. Authors bear full responsibility for the linguistic accuracy of their contributions.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

---

1. Introduction: Challenges for Geosciences in the XXI century

There is a general consensus (Shevchenko, T. 2024 (1), GSA 2025 (2), GSI 2025 (3), BRGM. 2019 (4), Elmo, D. 2024 (5), Lebet et al 2025 (6)) that geosciences face a long list of challenges some new some well-known such as the need of more professionals in the market, the new training fields, locating and quantifying new resources, predicting and mitigating hazards, supporting safe and sustainable development, evaluating the impacts of climate change and improving the societal visibility of the profession.

2. Geology — The essence of all Earth Sciences

2.1. Geology, a definition

Defining geology as a science is useful for providing the framework to study the future of the professional geologist: a historical science of scales (Regueiro, M. & Regueiro, M., 2019) 7. Geology is a modern science as it is less than 300 years old, and deals with enormous distances when placing the Earth in the universe, but it also studies the rocks and minerals that make it up under optical and even electronic microscopes to decipher when, how, where, and why they were formed. We know more about planets far away from us than we do about the one that sustains us. There are still countless unknowns about what happens inside the Earth; we have only managed to penetrate 15 km—less than half the thickness of the Earth’s crust—where the deepest drilling to date has been completed, just 0.19% of its 6,371 km radius (Kola, Russia). It remains impossible to go deeper by mechanical means, as the state of the rocks prevents further progress.

2.2. Deep time

A human being today lives an average of 72 years, so it is difficult for a person to grasp geological or deep time, since we barely remember precisely what happened to us thirty years ago. The entire history of modern humans, about 300,000 years, fits within the time it takes for a few meters of limestone to form. Imagine how long it took for some of the great limestone formations thousands of meters thick that exist in our world to form. Geologists can use the million-year period as a unit of time to describe the planet’s history, just as others use decades to tell their personal stories. Geologists have revealed to us the other worlds that existed before ours—worlds filled with incredible, monstrous, or marvellous beings; barren or lush landscapes; unimaginable global catastrophes that occurred in a second; and long ages of calm, slow evolution from one kind of being to another. They can tell us what our planet was like at its birth and what it will be like millions of years from now. They have made their science rigorous, practical, and useful, so that humanity can use Earth’s resources sustainably and wisely, and live in increasingly safer areas in the face of the planet’s inexorable and unavoidable dynamics—dynamics from which we can only protect ourselves by understanding and anticipating them. Geology joins Philosophy (for some) or Theology (for others) in seeking the origins of Earth and the Universe. We know nothing about what occurred before the supposed Big Bang, and although geologists can sketch the future of our planet over the next few million years, when humans confront those challenges of knowledge through Geology, we inevitably become humble and limited beings.

2.3. Geology and mankind

Humanity is irrelevant in Nature—only one among millions of existing species, solitary for now in the Universe. As a species, we tend to think we are important and decisive, but in reality, the Earth will continue to exist when we disappear, and our extinction is inevitable—there is no doubt about it. Just look at the catastrophic aftermath of an earthquake. Geology opens our imagination to the boundless realm of scales—it is not a single science but a constellation of sciences: the geological sciences, or Earth sciences. From a scientific standpoint, geological sciences cover a vast field of studies aimed at understanding the Earth and its circumstances. We speak of basic disciplines such as Crystallography, Stratigraphy, Mineralogy, Palaeontology, Petrology, Sedimentology, Structural Geology, Volcanology, Geomorphology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Historical Geology, and Hydrogeology, as well as applied sciences such as Petroleum Geology, Economic Geology, Mining Geology, Environmental Geology, Gemology, Planetary Geology, Geological Engineering, or Seismology, to name only a few. With this extraordinary scientific background, geologists work today in a multitude of educational, judicial, industrial, technical, and administrative sectors, including: audits and expert reports, geological consulting, soil contamination, education and training, energy and hydrocarbons, basic and mapping geological studies, applied geophysics, geothermal energy, geotourism, hydrogeology and water resources, environmental impact and restoration, geological infrastructure, geological and geotechnical engineering, environment, applied palaeontology, geological heritage and geodiversity, mineral resources, natural hazards, drilling and boring, contaminated soils, nuclear waste storage, domestic and industrial waste storage, CO₂ storage, spatial planning, public administration at the national, regional, and local levels, medical and forensic geology, urban geology, geochronology, and recently, humanitarian geology, for example. Geologists carry within themselves the time of the Earth—with a personal goal that is not necessarily to apply their knowledge, but simply to possess it. They undoubtedly have a different vision of reality, of the world, and of their surroundings.

3. How geology is solving mankind challenges & the new geological paradigms

3.1. The geological disciplines

Geology plays an essential role in addressing some of humanity’s most critical problems: food, water (Freeze, R. A., & Cherry, J. A. 1979), shelter, health (Kresse, G. O., & Finkelman, R. B. (eds.) 2004) 8, energy, risk mitigation, employment, and education. Many different geoscientific disciplines are directed toward very specific activities that have a direct impact on human well‑being and on the sustainability of natural resources. Thus agro-geology helps to improve soil fertility through the addition of minerals, increasing agricultural productivity and food security. Hydrogeology and engineering geology make it possible to locate, exploit and manage groundwater (Freeze, R. A., & Cherry, J. A. (1979) 9, as well as to plan safe infrastructure through the appropriate use of rock materials and the study of slope stability and urban sites. Environmental geochemistry, environmental geology and medical geology analyse the contamination of water and soils, the distribution of potentially toxic elements and their effects on human health, providing a scientific basis for environmental and public‑health management. In turn, petroleum, gas and coal geology, together with the study of geothermal energy, are focused on the exploration and development of energy resources, while engineering geology and environmental geology are key for monitoring unstable slopes, seismic and volcanic activity, and for preparing hazard maps. Engineering geology (Bell, F. G. 2007) 10 and mining geology focus on the evaluation of mineral resources for industrial uses, the opening of quarries and mines, and the production of geological mapping and subsurface models, activities that generate skilled employment and support economic development. Geoscience education, from primary school to university, ensures the training of professionals capable of tackling these challenges and of conveying to society the importance of understanding Earth processes.

3.2. The new geological fields

But nowadays geology extends far beyond the study of rocks and minerals and plays a central role in cultural heritage, environmental management, technology, health and ethics. These fields show how geoscience contributes directly to society’s well‑being and to sustainable development. For example, geology underpins the conservation of stone in historical monuments (Reynard, E., & Brilha, J. (Eds.) 2018  11 and Fassina, V. (Ed.). 2013) 12, where understanding rock types, weathering processes and pollution effects allows the design of appropriate restoration and protection strategies. Geology also explains the relationship between terroir and wine quality, linking soil, bedrock, geomorphology and microclimate to the sensory properties of wines. Geoarchaeometry (Brown, A. G., et al. 2017) 13 applies mineralogical, petrographic and geochemical methods to archaeological materials in order to determine provenance, technology and trade routes, while the concepts of geoparks, geosites and geotourism (McKeag, T., & Weeden, R. (Eds.). 2019) 14 use outstanding geological features as a basis for sustainable tourism, education and local development; mining heritage sites illustrate the technological and social history of resource extraction. In the modern field of waste management and subsurface storage, geologists are essential for the selection and monitoring of deep geological repositories for nuclear waste (Chapman, N. 2019) 15, where long‑term stability, hydrogeology and rock‑barrier properties must be rigorously evaluated. Similar expertise is required for domestic and industrial waste storage, including landfill siting, leachate control and the assessment of impacts on groundwater and soil. Geological knowledge also supports carbon dioxide sequestration in deep saline aquifers, depleted oil and gas fields or unexploitable coal seams (IPCC. 2005) 16, helping to verify storage capacity, integrity of cap rocks and long‑term containment behaviour. But we must not forget that modern geoscience heavily relies on data science, using three‑dimensional geological modelling to integrate boreholes, geophysical data and surface mapping into coherent subsurface models. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), (Bonham‑Carter, G. 2014) 17 remote sensing and artificial intelligence techniques (Van der Meer, F. D., et al. 2012) 18 enable the analysis of large spatial data sets for applications such as mineral prospectivity mapping, hazard assessment or land‑use planning. These digital tools improve decision‑making, reduce uncertainty and allow geologists to communicate complex information to stakeholders and the wider public. There are new specialized fields such as medical geology studies (Selinus, O. (Ed.). 2013)  19 that show how geological materials and processes affect human and animal health, for example through trace elements in drinking water, dusts or volcanic emissions. Forensic geology (Pye, K., & Croft, D. J. 2004) 20 applies sedimentology, mineralogy, geochemistry and terrain analysis to criminal and civil investigations, whereas urban geology (Culshaw, M., et al. 2017) 21 focuses on ground conditions, subsidence, flooding and resource management in cities. Finally, geoscience education (King, C. (2008) 22 promotes Earth‑system literacy at all levels, and geoethics (Peppoloni, S., & Di Capua, G. (Eds.). 2015) 23 provides a framework for responsible conduct of geoscientists towards society, the environment and future generations. Humanitarian geology brings together many of these strands to support disaster risk reduction, post‑disaster reconstruction, access to safe water and sustainable resources in vulnerable communities (Marchet Ford, L. (2018) 24.

4. Questions for the future of the profession

To address the future of geology we have made the following questions to a group of selected experts. All of them members of the Board of the Spanish Official Professional Association of Geologists (ICOG) composed of 16 geologists (11 male and 5 female) and of the following professional specialities: mineral resources 4, engineering geology 5, geological mapping 1, university professor 1, environmental geology 1, hydrogeology 1, marine geology 1, GIS 1, nuclear power plants geology 1):

1. In which new areas of practice will geological knowledge be most useful?
2. In which areas of practice will a profound transformation be necessary?
3. Which training and skills will be priorities for professionals?
4. How will technology relate to the personal added value in the provision of professional services?
5. What role will professional associations play in this future to promote the advancement of the profession and to address potential risks?

Indeed, these questions were answered by Spanish geologists many of them with a strong international background so their answers can be considered universal as are the disciplines involved, and are summarized in the following points.

5. New strategic fields: the evolving profession

Geological expertise will be particularly valuable in emerging strategic fields linked to the energy transition and sustainability, including:

• Green energy. Geologists identify, explore, and evaluate deposits of critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements, which are indispensable for manufacturing batteries, high‑performance magnets, and many renewable energy technologies. They also contribute to responsible mining practices that minimise environmental and social impacts throughout the supply chain.
• Geothermal energy and subsurface storage. Geological knowledge is essential to locate and characterise geothermal reservoirs, ensuring safe and efficient extraction of heat from the subsurface. It is also required to design and monitor underground facilities for the storage of energy, hydrogen, or CO₂, guaranteeing long‑term integrity and containment.
• Land management and climate resilience. Geologists assess geological hazards such as landslides, flooding, earthquakes, and coastal erosion, providing data that supports climate‑change adaptation strategies. Their work underpins sustainable land‑use and subsurface planning, helping to protect infrastructure, ecosystems, and communities.
• Circular economy and resource recovery. By characterising the mineralogy and geochemistry of mining and industrial waste, geologists help identify secondary resources that can be recovered and re‑used. This expertise supports circular‑economy strategies that reduce the need for primary extraction and lower the overall environmental footprint of resource use.
• Planetary geology and geoengineering. Planetary geologists interpret the surfaces and interiors of other planetary bodies, guiding robotic missions and improving understanding of Earth‑like processes elsewhere in the Solar System. Geoscientists also contribute to the evaluation of geoengineering proposals, providing critical insights into subsurface behaviour, risks, and uncertainties associated with climate‑mitigation technologies.

6. Areas of practice to change

Certain traditional geoscience fields will need to adapt deeply to meet new environmental, technological, and social expectations:

• Extractive industries. Mining and hydrocarbon activities must move from purely production‑oriented models to approaches grounded in sustainability, transparency, and social responsibility. This includes reducing their environmental footprint, ensuring traceable and ethically sourced raw materials, and engaging local communities in decision‑making processes.
• Engineering geology and civil works. Engineering geology will increasingly integrate sustainability criteria into the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure. At the same time, digital tools such as BIM and digital twins will enable better simulation of ground behaviour and more robust risk management throughout the life cycle of projects.
• Geological mapping and exploration. Geological mapping is shifting from traditional analogue methods to fully integrated geospatial data platforms. Combining field observations with remote sensing, geophysical data, and artificial intelligence allows more efficient exploration, better resource prediction, and more accurate subsurface models.
• Water and soil management. Water and soil management must respond to growing challenges of scarcity, contamination, and ecosystem degradation. Geoscientists will be essential to design strategies that protect aquifers and soils, promote efficient use, and apply ecosystem‑based approaches that preserve natural services for future generations.

7. Skills for the new challenges

Future geologists will need interdisciplinary training that blends solid technical foundations with a wide range of transversal skills:

• AI and geodata integration. They will work routinely with geoinformatics, 3D subsurface modelling, remote sensing, applied geophysics, and environmental geochemistry, integrating heterogeneous datasets into coherent interpretations. This will allow them to extract meaningful patterns from complex geodata and support faster, more reliable decision‑making.
• Sustainability and environmental governance. Future professionals must understand environmental legislation, permitting procedures, and international frameworks that regulate resource extraction and land use. Knowledge of circular‑economy principles and sustainable resource management will be essential to design projects that minimise impacts and maximise long‑term societal benefits.
• Digital and data analysis skills. Proficiency in artificial intelligence, geological big‑data workflows, and advanced GIS platforms will be a core requirement rather than a specialisation. Geologists will need to code basic workflows, manage databases, and critically evaluate model outputs to avoid misinterpretation of automated results.
• Soft skills. Success will depend increasingly on geo‑communication abilities, from explaining subsurface uncertainties to non‑experts to engaging the public and stakeholders in participatory processes. Teamwork across disciplines, leadership, critical thinking, and strong professional ethics will guide responsible decisions in complex, high‑impact projects.
• Global perspective. Future geologists will operate in international, multicultural contexts, so language skills and experience in cross‑border cooperation will be vital. Familiarity with the UN Sustainable Development Goals will help them align their work with global priorities in climate action, clean water, sustainable cities, and responsible consumption and production.

8. Technology in professional practice

Technology will strengthen, not replace, the professional value of geological judgement. The greatest benefit will come from aligning powerful digital tools with the geologist’s ability to understand rocks, processes, and uncertainty. Thus, AI predictive modelling, and remote sensing will increasingly automate data acquisition and preliminary analysis, rapidly screening large datasets and highlighting patterns that deserve closer attention. However, geological interpretation will still depend on human expertise and critical reasoning to validate models, recognise biases, and relate signals in the data to real processes in the field. Technology will make it possible to deliver faster, more accurate, and more tailored services to industry, government, and society. At the same time, the distinctive value of geologists will lie in their ability to integrate complex and sometimes conflicting information, communicate risks and uncertainties clearly, and make informed decisions that respect environmental, social, and ethical constraints.

The relationship between technology and professionals will therefore be complementary: digital tools contribute efficiency, reproducibility, and analytical power, while geologists provide geological context, ethical reflection, and robust scientific judgement. Together, they will enable more responsible and resilient solutions to the challenges facing the planet.

9. Professional associations in the future

Geology professional associations will play a crucial role in navigating future challenges and opportunities. Their mission will expand beyond traditional accreditation to include leadership in sustainability, innovation, and public trust.

Key responsibilities will encompass:

• Continuous professional development in emerging fields like critical raw materials, renewable energy, and digital geoscience
• Establishing ethical and technical standards for sustainable practices and data integrity
• Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration with engineering, environmental sciences, and policy sectors
• Facilitating technological adaptation of AI, GIS, and big data tools while preserving scientific rigor
• Professional advocacy to highlight geology’s essential role in energy transition and risk management
• Risk anticipation addressing challenges like automation and declining enrolment

Associations will serve as guardians of professional integrity, ensuring geology remains relevant and aligned with sustainable development goals and societal wellbeing.

10. The fragmentation of geology in the 21^st century

Society often misunderstands geology, reducing it to the study of rocks and fossils while overlooking its central role in resource management, hazard assessment, climate adaptation, and territorial planning. This misconception weakens public support for geoscience education and for evidence‑based policies that rely on geological insight. Geologists remain underrepresented in key arenas such as land‑use planning, energy policy, water management, and disaster risk reduction. As a result, major decisions with deep geological implications are often made without adequate subsurface or long‑term perspective.

The profession itself is fragmented into numerous specialised branches with limited coordination and a weak collective voice. This dispersal of effort reduces geology’s influence in political, economic, and educational debates. Public geological literacy is alarmingly low; many citizens lack a basic grasp of geological time, natural hazard processes, or the origin of critical raw materials. Such gaps make societies more vulnerable to misinformation and poor infrastructure or environmental choices.

Geologists also tend to communicate poorly with the wider public, remaining largely invisible and socially isolated. Overly technical language and a technocratic mindset widen the gap between science and society, leaving decision‑makers struggling to interpret geological information. Finally, the profession faces a shortage of young talent and limited generational renewal, as fewer students pursue geology and early‑career paths often prove unstable. This trend threatens society’s future capacity to tackle complex environmental and resource challenges with adequate geoscientific expertise.

11. What happens if we do nothing?

Neglecting geological input in planning leads to infrastructure built on floodplains, unstable slopes, or contaminated ground—magnifying floods, landslides, and pollution incidents. These failures endanger lives, destroy property, and drive up long‑term remediation costs. Poor understanding of mineral, water, and energy systems results in resource misuse, premature depletion, environmental degradation, and social conflict. Inadequate assessment of reserves and impacts weakens both economic viability and sustainability.

Declining student interest shrinks research funding and job opportunities, creating a feedback loop that drains talent and capacity. As geology fades from public debate, it risks being overshadowed by disciplines seen as more technological or policy‑oriented, making it harder to show how subsurface knowledge affects everyday life.

Exclusion from global sustainability discussions means that topics such as critical raw materials, groundwater scarcity, or geohazards may be addressed without geological expertise—leading to unrealistic goals, flawed energy‑transition strategies, and weak climate‑adaptation plans. Funding losses and shrinking academic programs further erode innovation, leaving society dependent on outdated tools and external sources of knowledge.

Technological disruption without proper adaptation also threatens the profession. When AI, remote sensing, or automation advance faster than geologists’ training, professionals’ risk being side-lined, interpretations lose quality, and dependence on opaque algorithms grows.

Finally, repeated failures to anticipate or communicate geological risks erode public trust. When communities feel misinformed or unprotected, skepticism toward geologists and science‑based policy deepens—making future risk management even harder.

12. Conclusion

12.1. The future of professional geology: rethinking our professional identity

Future geologists should be visible, respected and proactive, taking responsibility for how subsurface knowledge is used in society. They must move beyond a purely technical role to become trusted voices in debates on resources, hazards and climate. Not just an expert, but a leader in uncertainty, the geologist of the future should be able to quantify risk, explain limitations of data and guide decisions when information is incomplete. This requires intellectual honesty, clear communication and the courage to make recommendations under pressure. As a bridge between science, policy and people, geologists should translate complex geological evidence into language that citizens, politicians and other professionals can understand. In doing so, they help ensure that regulations, investments and emergency plans are grounded in realistic assessments of the Earth.

“Advocate. Mentor. Innovate. Communicate.” captures the multiple roles geologists must embrace: defending evidence‑based policies, training younger colleagues, testing new methods and technologies, and engaging openly with society. These roles reinforce each other and create a culture of shared responsibility.

Taking the lead in shaping the next generation means designing curricula, internships and outreach programs that inspire students and equip them with skills relevant to emerging challenges. Senior professionals should model ethical behaviour and encourage diversity so that the profession reflects the societies it serves.

Joining the conversation at IPGC and beyond implies active participation in international conferences, working groups and networks where global standards and priorities are discussed. Through these forums, geologists can influence agendas on sustainability, critical raw materials, risk reduction and planetary exploration.

Enhancing geological education at all levels involves incorporating Earth‑system thinking into primary, secondary and vocational teaching, not just university courses. By doing so, more people will understand where resources come from, why hazards occur and how human activities interact with geological processes.

Creating interest in, and promoting geological knowledge requires accessible outreach: public talks, popular books, digital content, field excursions and collaboration with museums and media. The aim is to make geology part of everyday conversation rather than a niche topic for specialists.

Planning decisions should be based on integrated sound geological information, ensuring that surface and subsurface data are considered together. This integration supports more resilient infrastructure, realistic land‑use plans and better protection of critical ecosystems. Evaluating hazards is a core responsibility: geologists must characterise earthquakes, landslides, floods, subsidence and volcanic risks, providing maps and scenarios that inform building codes and emergency preparedness. Proper hazard assessment saves lives and resources in the long term. Valorising geological heritage means recognising geosites, landscapes and rock records as cultural and scientific assets, not just obstacles to development. Protection and interpretation of this heritage enrich tourism, education and local identity. Valorising mineral resources entails acknowledging their strategic importance while promoting efficient, responsible and transparent extraction. Geologists should help society understand trade‑offs and opportunities across the full life cycle of materials.

Society should adopt a geological perspective, developing a clear political attitude and coordinated actions in education, regulation and implementation. Thinking in deep time and in terms of Earth processes helps policymakers consider long‑term consequences of today’s choices. More geologists are needed worldwide, together with a clearer explanation of what geoscientists do and why it matters. Training must evolve to include digital skills, sustainability, ethics and communication so graduates can operate effectively in changing labour markets.

Engaging in professional associations with a renewed mission allows geologists to speak with a stronger, collective voice on issues such as resource security, climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction. These associations can also provide guidance, accreditation and continuous learning. Co‑developing international guidelines, ethics and training frameworks will help harmonise standards of practice and ensure that geological work respects human rights, environmental limits and cultural contexts. Shared principles make cross‑border collaboration more effective. Professional leadership without borders implies cooperation among national bodies to create stronger and more global organisations of professional geologists. Establishing a World Professional Federation of Geologists would provide a unified platform to represent the profession, coordinate responses to global challenges and advocate for geology on the world stage.

Positioning geology in public discourse—through media presence, collaboration with schools and direct input into policy processes—helps correct misconceptions and highlights the discipline’s relevance for energy, water, infrastructure and heritage. Visibility is essential for influence.

12.2. Key takeaways for present and future geologists

1. We must redefine the geologist’s role: Move beyond technical expertise to become visible, trusted leaders in managing uncertainty and guiding societal decisions on resources, hazards, and climate.
2. We should lead with integrity and clarity: Communicate geological limits, risks, and uncertainties transparently, using language accessible to policymakers, communities, and industry.
3. We must act as connectors: Bridge science, policy, and society by translating subsurface knowledge into actionable understanding that supports sustainable planning and regulation.
4. Embody “Advocate. Mentor. Innovate. Communicate.” Defend evidence-based policy, mentor new generations, embrace technology and innovation, and foster public engagement.
5. Shape future education and training: Modernize curricula to include sustainability, ethics, communication, and digital skills; promote diversity and outreach from schools to university levels.
6. Ensure integrated decision-making: Advocate for planning based on comprehensive surface–subsurface data and robust hazard assessment to build safer, more resilient communities.
7. Promote geological heritage and resources responsibly: Recognize the cultural and strategic value of geosites and minerals while ensuring ethical and transparent resource management.
8. Strengthen professional unity: Reinforce national and international associations to harmonize standards, uphold ethics, and coordinate global action through a World Federation of Geologists.
9. Increase societal visibility: Engage proactively with media, educators, and decision-makers to make geology part of public discourse and highlight its relevance for sustainability and risk reduction.

Funding: This research received no external funding

Conflicts of Interest: The author declares no conflict of interest

---

References

1. Shevchenko, T. (2024) The Shortage of Geologists Worldwide: Challenges and Prospects (https://geologists.org/en/news/the-shortage-of-geologists-worldwide:-challenges-and-prospects)
2. Geological Society of America. Position Statement. (2025). The benefits of professional geologist licensure. https://www.geosociety.org/documents/gsa/positions/pos29_licensure.pdf.
3. Geological Survey of Ireland. (2025) Geoscience for a brighter future 2025–2030. https://www2.bgs.ac.uk/gsni/GSNI_Science_Strategy2025-2030.pdf
4. BRGM (2019). 10 core challenges for the geosciences. https://www.brgm.fr/en/news/feature-article/10-core-challenges-geosciences
5. Elmo, D. (2024). Think twice. Geoscientist. https://geoscientist.online/sections/viewpoint/think-twice/
6. Lebel, D.; Raeside. R.; Boggs, K.; Hubley, P. (2025). Recent Labour and Education Trends Regarding Geoscientists and Geological Engineers in Canada. Geoscience Canada Vol 52. Nº 2.https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/GC/article/view/34618).
7. Regueiro, M. & Regueiro de Mergelina, M. (2019). ¿Para qué sirve la geología? El idioma de las piedras. Madrid: Catarata. (Colección Planeta Tierra, nº 21, 144 pp., ISBN: 978-84-9097-694-4)
8. Kresse, G. O., & Finkelman, R. B. (eds.). (2004). Medical Geology: A Regional Synthesis. Geological Society of America.​
9. Freeze, R. A., & Cherry, J. A. (1979). Prentice Hall.​
10. Bell, F. G. (2007). Engineering Geology. Elsevier
11. Reynard, E., & Brilha, J. (Eds.). (2018). Geoheritage: Assessment, Protection, and Management. Elsevier.
12. Fassina, V. (Ed.). (2013). Stone in Architecture: Properties, Durability. Springer.
13. Brown, A. G., et al. (2017). Geoarchaeology, Earth Science and the Past. Routledge.
14. McKeag, T., & Weeden, R. (Eds.). (2019). Geotourism: The Tourism of Geology and Landscape. Goodfellow.
15. Chapman, N. (2019). Geological Disposal of Nuclear Waste. Wiley.
16. (2005). Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage. Cambridge University Press.
17. Bonham‑Carter, G. (2014). Geographic Information Systems for Geoscientists. Elsevier.
18. Van der Meer, F. D., et al. (2012). Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing in Geosciences. Springer.
19. Selinus, O. (Ed.). (2013). Essentials of Medical Geology. Springer.
20. Pye, K., & Croft, D. J. (2004). Forensic Geoscience: Principles, Techniques and Applications. Geological Society of London Special Publication.
21. Culshaw, M., et al. (2017). Engineering and Urban Geology in the Anthropocene. Geological Society of London.
22. King, C. (2008). Geoscience Education: An Overview. Episodes, 31(2), 143–150.
23. Peppoloni, S., & Di Capua, G. (Eds.). (2015). Geoethics: Ethical Challenges and Case Studies in Earth Sciences. Elsevier.
24. Marchet Ford, L. (2018). Geoscientists Without Borders celebrates 10 years of funding humanitarian geoscience work. The Leading Edge, Society of Exploration Geophysicists.ti, M., & Guzzetti, F. (Eds.). (2019). Geohazard‑Related Humanitarian Crises. Springer.

---

This article has been published in European Geologist journal 60 – 5th IPGC Special Edition 1