The Earth Sciences Sector (ESS) supports the environmental, social and economic objectives of the federal government by focusing its portfolio of science and technology programs and services on innovative projects that improve the quality of life of Canadians.These activities – many of which cut across various sectors of the Canadian economy – are essential to Canada's economic, social and environmental prosperity. By providing enabling technologies and scientific research, the sector shares its knowledge and expertise in partnerships with clients, both at home and abroad.

Information about ESS issues and related programs and services is adapted from the Earth Sciences Sector Business Plan:

• 2006-2009 (PDF version [PDF, 4.4 Mb, viewer])

Earth Sciences for Economic Opportunities

• Secure Canadian Energy Supply
• Gas Hydrates: Fuel of the Future?
• Targeted Geoscience Initiative 3
• Geomatics for Northern Development
• Northern Resources Development
• Northern Resources and Economic Development
• Land-Use Characterization for Impact Assessment
• Geoscience for Oceans Management
• Geomatics for Property Rights on Aboriginal and Heritage Lands
• Canada Lands Survey System
• Cadastral Management Reform
• Canadian Spatial Reference System
• Height Reference System Modernization
• ESS Contribution to GeoBase
• From Paper to Digital Mapping
• Atlas of Canada
• Earth Observation Data Services
• International Capacity Building and Trade and Investment

Earth Sciences for a Clean Environment

• Groundwater Mapping
• Environment and Health
• Legislated Environmental and Resource Assessments

Climate Change

• Enhancing Resilience in a Changing Climate

Earth Sciences for Public Safety and Security

• Reducing Risk from Natural Hazards
• Canadian Hazards Information Service
• Canada/U.S. International Boundary Maintenance and 1925 Treaty Implementation

National Initiatives Managed by ESS on Behalf of Government

• Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Program
• GeoConnections
• Delineating Canada's Continental Shelf under UNCLOS
• Polar Continental Shelf Project (PCSP)

See also: Earth Sciences Sector Priorities (2002-2006)