Geoscience for energy transition

Abstract

We are living in the midst of a great technological revolution in history—the energy transition from today's fossil fuel-dominated civilization to low-carbon economies and industries. Geoscientists will significantly contribute to energy science, policy and technologies by advancing our knowledge base of the complex interacting processes and substances in Earth's lithosphere, oceans and atmosphere. Mapping the flow of energy in various forms and intensities in Earth systems, exploration of energy resources and minerals and evaluating the environmental impacts of energy technologies from upstream to downstream will be increasingly embedded in geoscience education, research and workforce development. This article outlines major pathways of how geoscience will contribute to various components of the energy transition.