International geoscience research and development
BGS International Geoscience
In 2022, BGS gained follow-on funding from its previous National Capability-funded Official Development Assisstance programme (2018 to 2022). The new programme, ‘Geosciences to tackle global environmental challenges’, is focused on scientific research with international partners that will have meaningful outcomes in addressing global environmental challenges.
The primary objective of the programme is to deliver solutions against against three global environmental challenges:
- strengthening adaptation and resilience to natural hazards
- security of supply chains
- reduction in risk to urban and rural infrastructure
These challenges are linked by the overarching theme of human adaptation to climate change.
The £11.9 million programme is funded for four years, from 2022 to 2026, with BGS staff engaged in activities across BGS’s science challenge areas:
- decarbonisation and resource management
- multihazards and resilience
- environmental change, adaptation and resilience
The programme is supported through the BGS National and International Geoscience directorate. The programme is led by Dr Michael Watts alongside co-investigators with experience in international research.
To deliver our primary objective, the programme is organised into three research and innovation challenges (RICs). Each RIC has a coherent objective, delivered through novel research and co-designed with global partners. This approach will not only generate outcome for local practitioners but will provide the basis for realising global impact.
Our research and innovation challenges
Living in multi-hazard environments
Assessing geological hazard information to improve detection and forecasting of geo-hazards and build on current disaster risk management practices.
Land-use change and adaptation
Investigating human-induced land-use and climate change pressures in agricultural and urban settings, and evaluating nature-based solutions that help communities to adapt to climate change.
Resources for the future
Supporting decision making for the sustainable supply of mineral, energy and water resources with a focus on the transition to net zero.
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