New community launched to support effective management of the subsurface

BGS and The Geological Society of London have accepted an invitation from the Government Office for Science (GO-Science) to launch a new network after its report, ‘The future of the subsurface foresight’, called for improved cross-sectoral work to address future issues.

The network, ‘Future of the Subsurface Community of Interest’, is set to be a community of decision makers from Government departments, local authorities, regulators and others in the public sector involved in subsurface policy and planning. It will serve as a forum for exchanging knowledge on subsurface issues to improve coordination and regulation and allow more effective management of the subsurface and the services it provides.

Use of the subsurface has been vital to people for thousands of years. The availability of subsurface resources, such as water, fertile soil and building materials, has long influenced where we choose to live. The UK’s diverse geology also plays a significant role in shaping its landscape and influences various aspects of land use, planning and society.

The subsurface is a natural space for the infrastructure that underpins society. We have developed methods to use and exploit the subsurface in a multitude of different ways, such as for natural resources and space for infrastructure, which deliver a range of societal benefits.

The Foresight study not only highlights the future need for the subsurface to deliver net zero technologies and climate adaptation measures; it also emphasises the challenge of implementing cross-sectoral solutions and the issue of incomplete and inconsistent regulation, which limit future options.

We will work alongside The Geological Society to ensure that we fulfil the need highlighted in the report, to facilitate a shared understand across decision makers of the value of the subsurface for the long-term public good.

Stephanie Bricker, head of urban geoscience and spatial planning, BGS

Informed and effective public policy relies on access to timely, digestible and relevant scientific evidence. By working with the British Geological Survey to facilitate this Community of Interest, we aspire to support those working across the breadth of subsurface policy and planning to engage with the best available geoscience and promote informed decision making.

Dr Megan O’Donnell, head of policy and communications at The Geological Society

Find out more about Go-Science’s report, the Future of the Subsurface Foresight.

Contact
For enquiries about the Community of Interest please contact FutureSubsurface@bgs.ac.uk

For media enquiries, please contact the BGS Press Office (bgspress@bgs.ac.uk) or call 07790 607 010.