Board on Earth Sciences and Resources
The Board on Earth Sciences and Resources (BESR) coordinates National Academies' activities on Earth science issues, including studies of important national issues in the Earth sciences. BESR interacts with agencies, identifies opportunities for advancing basic research and understanding of Earth science information for policy decisions and reports on the applications of Earth sciences to important societal issues.
In progress
News and Updates
Future Directions for Earth Observations and Data Stewardship: A Workshop
Update
On Dec 2-3, this workshop will convene participants from across the Earth observations community to exchange ideas on enhancing coordination, collaboration, and governance mechanisms to support a more robust ecosystem for the creation, curation, and operation of Earth observations and associated tools.
Meeting Future U.S. Mineral Resource Needs: New Report
Update
Minerals are used in nearly every part of the nation’s infrastructure, economy, and everyday life, and reliable sourcing and resilient supply chains are more important than ever. A new National Academies report examines the U.S. Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program’s science portfolio and provides a road map to meet U.S. mineral resource needs.
A Synthesis Center for Paleoenvironmental Records of Extreme Events
Consensus Study Report
·2026
Floods, droughts, wildfires, earthquakes, other extreme environmental events pose persistent and growing risks to ecosystems, infrastructure, and human life. A deeper understanding of the timing and severity of extreme events provides opportunities to prepare, adapt and mitigate the societal consequ...
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