Geoscience Proves Foundational to Climate Action, Biodiversity and Global Securit

The European Federation of Geologists (EFG) participated in the 30th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP30) on Climate Change, held from 10 to 21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil, to highlight a message increasingly recognised across global negotiations: geoscience is indispensable to delivering climate goals, safeguarding biodiversity, and strengthening global security.

Represented by Global Ambassador Maureen Gallagher and President David Govoni, EFG contributed scientific insight and practical examples from the EU-funded GENESIS and FIC-Fighters projects to discussions on climate adaptation, sustainable resource governance, nature-based solutions, and resilience planning. The delegation also highlighted “This is Geoscience”, an initiative of The Geological Society (UK), which showcases the essential role of geoscientists in society - from groundwater and soils to minerals, hazards, and the energy transition.

Geoscience: A Strategic Asset for Europe and the World

Across COP30, EFG highlighted that integrating geological expertise into policy design is fundamental to securing critical raw materials, advancing low-carbon technologies, enabling geothermal energy and carbon storage, and designing resilient water–soil–infrastructure systems.

The scale of global demand underscores this importance:

- Earth-science-based industries contribute EUR 200 billion annually to the EU economy.

- The global mining and materials sector is worth USD 2 trillion, with critical minerals expected to reach USD 586 billion by 2032.

- Europe may require EUR 800 billion per year to meet 2030 transition targets.

To support policy development, EFG, the International Raw Materials Observatory, and EuroGeoSurveys recently released two position papers – “Geosciences Supporting the EU Competitiveness Compass” and “The Critical Role of Geoscience in EU Defence and Security Policy” - illustrating how geological knowledge underpins strategic autonomy, security, and supply-chain resilience. 

Policy Developments at COP30

Negotiations acknowledged the essential role of energy-transition minerals, though discussion within the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) was limited. EFG reiterated the need for science-based mineral strategies and highlighted the role of professional geologists, including European Geologist (EurGeol) title-holders, across the value chain.

COP30 also placed strong emphasis on:

- Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and forest protection, as referenced in the Belém Declaration.

- Adaptation finance, increasing demand for regional geological risk assessments.

- Indigenous rights and land governance, highlighting the need for ethical and transparent geoscience practices.

EFG stressed that geologists and hydrogeologists should systematically be part of teams designing NbS and adaptation plans to ensure technically sound and socially responsible outcomes.

Looking Ahead

EFG concluded COP30 by reaffirming its role as the voice of over 50,000 geoscientists across Europe and more than 150,000 professionals globally. Through its Policy Manifesto, EFG continues to advocate for international recognition of professional standards such as the EurGeol title, action on the geoscience skills gap, and deeper integration of geological expertise into climate, energy, and security governance.

More information on EFG’s participation at COP30 can be found here: https://eurogeologists.eu/go/efg-at-cop30-full-report