Earth Science Week 2025, an annual worldwide celebration of the geosciences led by the American Geosciences Institute (AGI), is underway from October 12–18, 2025, with the theme “Energy Resources for Our Future.” The event aims to highlight the crucial role earth science plays in understanding and developing sustainable energy sources for the planet.
The week-long celebration is designed to engage students, educators, and the public in exploring the complex decisions surrounding how communities power their homes, businesses, and transportation. These choices, which involve navigating environmental, social, and economic factors, are heavily informed by geological and environmental sciences.
Events and Resources Spotlight Geoscience Solutions
Across the country and internationally, organizations, universities, and schools are hosting events to foster a deeper understanding of energy resources.
- AGI Webinar Series: The American Geosciences Institute is hosting its annual webinar series throughout the week. Topics for the 2025 series include an in-depth look at geothermal energy, strategies for spreading energy awareness in classrooms, an examination of how geoscience and innovation are shaping future energy exploration, and a presentation on geologic mapping and modeling. These webinars are open to the public and are a key resource for educators.
- Focus on Local Solutions: Institutions like Southern Illinois University (SIU) are tying the national theme to local needs, hosting talks on topics such as agrivoltaics—the co-location of farming and solar energy—and the importance of critical minerals for modern technologies like electric cars and solar panels.
- Daily Focuses: The week also features several designated days, including:
- Tuesday, October 14: Earth Observation Day & No Child Left Inside Day, encouraging outdoor exploration and the use of satellite imagery.
- Wednesday, October 15: National Fossil Day.
- Thursday, October 16: International ShakeOut Day, a global earthquake safety drill, alongside Geoscience is for Everyone Day.
- Friday, October 17: Geologic Map Day.
- Educational Tools: AGI is distributing its annual Earth Science Week Toolkit, which contains posters, activity calendars, and educational resources developed in partnership with organizations like the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project. These materials provide hands-on activities, such as discussing what makes an energy source renewable or nonrenewable and investigating how local energy sources interact with Earth’s systems.
READ: Humanity Looks Up: World Space Week 2025 Celebrates ‘Living In Space’
Inspiring the Next Generation of Geoscientists
The overarching goal of the 28th annual Earth Science Week is to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in the geosciences. By showing how geology, oceanography, soil science, and environmental science are essential to addressing global energy challenges, organizers hope to motivate students to become informed energy consumers and active participants in creating a sustainable future.
As AGI Executive Director Jonathan Arthur noted, “Innovations and discoveries emerging from the geoscience enterprise are vital to expand the portfolio of energy resource options to benefit society and the planet.”
Individuals, community groups, and schools are encouraged to visit the official Earth Science Week website for a full list of resources, contests, and event ideas to participate in the celebration.
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