Sea-level Rise

Even small amounts of sea-level rise can have significant societal and economic impacts. Think about coastal erosion, vulnerability to storms, saltwater intruding into groundwater, loss of wetlands, and stresses on infrastructure. Two of the main causes of sea-level rise are the warming of oceans and the melting of land-based ice sheets and glaciers. The USGS calculates coastal vulnerability levels and provides science on historical, present, and potential future conditions. The USGS Coastal Change Hazards Portal allows people to visualize these changes.

“The ability to easily locate and access USGS research and data through the new Coastal Change Hazards Portal is of great value for coastal managers. This information directly supports our work with local cities and towns to assess risk and communicate current and future hazards.” — Bruce Carlisle, Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management

Water Availability

Water is critical for human consumption, agriculture, energy, and industry; it is fundamental for ecosystem health, biodiversity, and resilience. USGS scientists study all aspects of water, including its quality and quantity, its location and flow, its use, and even its history. The USGS is the primary Federal science agency for water information.

“USGS’s data and information are relied upon by groundwater professionals as they work to meet the Nation’s water supply needs. The planned National Ground Water Monitoring Network data portal will enhance the ease with which USGS data can be integrated with State and other comparable data for informed decision-making.” — Kevin B. McCray, Chief Executive Officer, National Ground Water Association

Geothermal Energy

Deep within the Earth’s crust lies an extremely important but underutilized renewable energy resource: geothermal energy. In 2008, the USGS released a national assessment of geothermal power resources, showing more than 550,000 Megawatts–electric power–generating potential. Since then, the USGS has continued to research and assess geothermal power potential all over the country.

“Interest in geothermal energy has rapidly grown. Recent permitting activity has seen dozens of applications for geothermal leases. All of this is based on the fundamental resource assessment efforts of the USGS – without that basic research, the benefits of this renewable energy resource would be achieved much more slowly and at much greater expense.” — William Glassley, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California, Davis

Pollination

Nations would crumble without pollination by bees, birds, butterflies, bats, and beetles, which provide vital but often invisible services. Wherever flowering plants flourish, pollinators are hard at work. USGS and partners study monarch butterflies, native bees, and other pollinators to help sustain and keep ecosystems resilient. For example, bee pollination is responsible for $15 billion in increased crop value each year in the United States.

“Monarch conservation is a truly intricate issue, requiring consideration of many ecological dimensions. The Monarch Joint Venture is excited that USGS is applying their breadth of science in innovative ways to help manage this iconic species.” — Dr. Karen Oberhauser, Monarch Joint Venture Committee Chair and University of Minnesota Monach Lab Director

Wildfire

Wildfire is an integral part of ecosystem processes, but it poses a significant hazard to human life, property, and natural resources. Based on data from the USGS-NASA Landsat series of earth-observing satellites, fire management agencies are provided with critical information to calculate risk, prevent fires, reduce suppression costs, and restore ecosystems in the aftermath of wildfires.

“Imagery from Landsat allows us to view the extent and severity of current wildfires in the context of fires that have occurred over the lifespan of the Landsat series of satellites. The data derived from Landsat are critical to our efforts to prepare for, respond to, and recover from wildfires across the United States.” — Tom Harbour, National Fire and Aviation Management Director, U.S. Forest Service

Hydraulic Fracturing

Hydraulic fracturing—or fracking— involves injecting water, sand, and chemicals at high pressure into wells to increase oil and gas flow. Fracking combined with directional drilling has made “unconventional” resources like shale gas and shale oil among the fastest growing energy sources in the Nation. The USGS researches the formation, occurrence, and exploitation of unconventional oil and gas as well as potential environmental impacts and associated waste disposal activities.

Droughts & Floods

Droughts and floods rank first and second, respectively, as the most costly natural hazards the Nation faces. The USGS provides unbiased information about the Nation’s rivers and streams from more than 8,000 carefully sited streamgages and tracks the status of the Nation’s aquifers by monitoring more than 20,000 wells. Reliable and immediate, this information can help save lives and property from floods and help mitigate the costly effects of drought.

“USGS research on the role of atmospheric river storms in contributing to California’s water supply and ending drought cycles has been instrumental in our efforts to find ways to improve seasonal forecasting for drought preparedness.” — Mark Cowin, Director, California Department of Water Resources

Earthquakes

Imagine if doctors could stop procedures before an earthquake. Imagine if emergency responders had a few extra moments to gear–up, trains could be slowed or stopped, airplane landings could be redirected, and people could move to safer locations. The USGS and its partners are working to develop a prototype Earthquake Early Warning System for the U.S. West Coast, called ShakeAlert.

“Los Angeles is a global city with the Nation’s largest port and greatest seismic risk. Earthquake early warning could not be more imperative for LA, and we are proud to have partnered with the USGS and others to start developing a warning system which stands to save lives and reduce losses.” — Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles,

These concerns about our Mother Earth inspire educated scientists and engineers to explore ways to preserve our planet for future generations.  While observation is important, a comprehensive education and educating others can lead to a brighter future for all inhabitating this planet.  Rotary grants make a difference by providing Ambassadorial Scholarships for outstanding students to further their education as well as creating service projects related to many issues related to water and disasters around the world. 

The movement continues.

We are now entering the 46th year of a movement that continues to inspire, challenge ideas, ignite passion, and motivate people to action.

In 1970, the year of our first Earth Day, the movement gave voice to an emerging consciousness, channeling human energy toward environmental issues. Forty-six years later, we continue to lead with groundbreaking ideas and by the power of our example.