Geoscience 2019: Geoscience for Climate Action

At the annual conference of Geological Survey Ireland, Seán Canney, Minister of State for Natural Resources and Rural Development commended the agency for the focus on climate action.

He noted the progress and the “vital work in rural areas” such as groundwater flood mapping being developed by the Office of Public Works.  

“GSI is also progressing its tasks under Climate Action Plan 2019 in relation to offshore renewables, geothermal energy and the Just Transition in the Midlands,” he added.

Thematic topics discussed:

Water: flooding & drought showcased new groundwater flood mapping and climate-focused discussions on resource mapping, water supply and catchments (GSI, Irish Water, EPA)

Coastal & Geohazards:  coastal erosion monitoring, sea-level rise and landslide hazard mapping (GSI, NUI Maynooth)

Raw materials for Sustainable Development: work in progress and development in aggregates (sand & gravel), minerals and soil

Decarbonising Energy: district heating and geothermal energy, climate policy (CODEMA, GSI, UCD, DCCAE)