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New and Updated Position Statements

In November 2020, GSA Council approved a new position state- such issues as energy and mineral resources, water resources,
ment titled “U.S. Flood Risk Management.” Minor revisions to climate change, and natural hazards. Public funding for Earth-
three statements were also approved: “Public Investment in Earth science research forms the basis for training and educating the
Science Research,” “Role of Government in Minerals and Energy next generation of Earth-science professionals.
Resources Research,” and “Visas for Foreign Scientists and
Students.” Summaries of the statements are below; full versions of Role of Government in Minerals and Energy Resources Research
all position statements are online at https://www.geosociety.org/ Sound scientific knowledge should guide decision making about
positionstatements. GSA members are encouraged to use the the exploration, development, and stewardship of finite energy and
statements as geoscience communication tools when interacting mineral resources. Sustaining and enhancing that knowledge
with policy makers, students, colleagues, and the general public. requires more public investment in energy and mineral resource
research, education, and stewardship.
U.S. Flood Risk Management
Across the U.S. and worldwide, flooding is the deadliest and most Visas for Foreign Scientists and Students
costly natural disaster. The rising costs of flooding result from con- GSA endorses a United States visa system that supports interna-
tinued development of flood-prone land and modifications to river tional scientific exchange and cooperation. Government visa pol-
and coastal systems, amplified by climate change. By most metrics, icy is especially important to the earth sciences because:
the U.S. is losing the fight to manage the nation’s flood risk. Science 1. Earth science is inherently an international endeavor because it is
provides tools for quantifying flood risk, estimating future condi- not possible to understand Earth by studying only those parts of
tions, balancing human uses of floodplains with ecosystem services, the planet that fall within the boundaries of a single country.
and identifying effective mitigation strategies. The Geological 2. Progress in Earth science requires international field research,
Society of America recommends policies that move the U.S. toward participation in international conferences, access to international
long-term resilience, focusing on pathways toward sustainable research facilities, and other activities that involve international
floodplain management and flood-risk reduction. exchange and cooperation.
3. Delays in issuing visas to Earth scientists responding to natural
Public Investment in Earth Science Research disasters—such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions,
Strong and growing public investments in Earth-science research and floods—can result in loss of life, loss of property, and loss of
promote the general welfare of all citizens; ensure the health, vital- scientific opportunities. Earth scientists can help prevent some
ity, and security of society; and provide sound stewardship of Earth. natural hazards from becoming natural disasters through interna-
Investments are needed from all levels of government to address tional exchange and collaboration.

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28 GSA Today | January 2021