Surreal illustration of a cityscape with fault lines and geoenergy sources, balancing energy and seismic risk.

Shaky Ground? Understanding and Addressing Geoenergy-Induced Seismicity

Lena Voss in Climate & Environment August 2025 • 3 min read.

"Exploring the link between geoenergy technologies and the rise of induced seismicity and its impact on our communities"

As the world races toward a low-carbon future, we're increasingly turning to the earth's depths for energy solutions. Geoenergy technologies, like geothermal systems and carbon capture, are gaining traction. However, this progress comes with a hidden risk: induced seismicity. It turns out that tapping into the earth's energy can sometimes cause the ground to shake—literally.

Induced seismicity, or human-caused earthquakes, is becoming a growing concern in areas with extensive oil and gas extraction, wastewater injection, and even geothermal energy projects. The United States, Canada, and the Netherlands have all experienced a surge in seismic activity linked to these activities. While these quakes are often small, they raise questions about safety, public perception, and the future of geoenergy.

While the science of seismic hazards is critical, it's not enough. Effectively managing geoenergy-induced seismicity requires a partnership with society. This means open communication, public engagement, and a willingness to address concerns and misconceptions. By working together, we can harness the benefits of geoenergy while minimizing the risks to our communities.

What is Geoenergy-Induced Seismicity and Why Should You Care?

Surreal illustration of a cityscape with fault lines and geoenergy sources, balancing energy and seismic risk.

Geoenergy-induced seismicity refers to earthquakes triggered by human activities related to extracting or storing energy in the earth. This can include:

While not every geoenergy project leads to noticeable earthquakes, the potential for even small tremors can have significant consequences. These include:

Damage to infrastructure, especially in areas with vulnerable buildings.
Increased anxiety and fear among residents.
Negative impacts on property values.
Delays or abandonment of geoenergy projects due to public opposition.
Reduced public trust in geoenergy technologies.

Understanding these risks and addressing public concerns is crucial for the sustainable development of geoenergy resources. The key is to acknowledge the human element and involve communities in the decision-making process.

The Choice is Ours: Shaping a Sustainable Future with Geoenergy

Geoenergy-induced seismicity presents a complex challenge, but it's not insurmountable. By prioritizing open communication, public engagement, and a willingness to adapt, we can navigate the risks and unlock the potential of these vital resources. The future of geoenergy depends on our ability to work together, ensuring that progress doesn't come at the expense of our communities' safety and well-being. It's time to make informed choices and build a sustainable future, one that embraces both innovation and responsibility.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/13669877.2017.1304979, Alternate LINK

Title: Managing Geoenergy-Induced Seismicity With Society

Subject: Strategy and Management

Journal: Journal of Risk Research

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Evelina Trutnevyte, Olivier Ejderyan

Published: 2017-03-27

Everything You Need To Know

What is Geoenergy-Induced Seismicity and how does it relate to the low-carbon future?

Geoenergy-induced seismicity refers to earthquakes that are triggered by human activities related to the extraction or storage of energy within the earth. These activities include initiatives such as geothermal systems and carbon capture, which are crucial for a low-carbon future. While these technologies are essential for reducing carbon emissions, they can sometimes cause the ground to shake. This can lead to a variety of issues, including damage to infrastructure, increased anxiety, and potential project delays or abandonment.

What are the primary causes of induced seismicity in the context of geoenergy?

Induced seismicity, in the context of geoenergy, primarily stems from activities related to the extraction and storage of energy. These activities include oil and gas extraction, wastewater injection, and geothermal energy projects. It's important to understand that not every geoenergy project leads to noticeable earthquakes, but the potential for even small tremors exists and can have consequences.

What are the potential consequences of geoenergy-induced seismicity for communities and projects?

The potential consequences of geoenergy-induced seismicity are varied and can significantly impact communities and geoenergy projects. These consequences include damage to infrastructure, particularly in areas with vulnerable buildings. This can lead to increased anxiety and fear among residents, and negative impacts on property values. Furthermore, it can result in delays or abandonment of geoenergy projects due to public opposition and a reduction in public trust in geoenergy technologies. Addressing these issues is crucial for the sustainable development of geoenergy resources.

How can we mitigate the risks associated with geoenergy-induced seismicity?

Mitigating the risks of geoenergy-induced seismicity involves a multi-faceted approach. Acknowledging the human element and involving communities in the decision-making process are essential steps. This includes prioritizing open communication, public engagement, and a willingness to adapt to concerns. By fostering a partnership between the geoenergy industry and society, we can work together to minimize risks and ensure the responsible development of geoenergy resources. Implementing rigorous monitoring programs and adopting best practices in project planning and execution are also crucial for minimizing seismic risks.

What role does public perception play in the future of geoenergy, considering the risk of induced seismicity?

Public perception is vital to the future of geoenergy, especially when considering the risk of induced seismicity. The public's understanding, acceptance, and trust in geoenergy technologies significantly influence the success and sustainability of projects. If the public is not informed or if their concerns regarding induced seismicity are not adequately addressed, it can lead to opposition, project delays, and a lack of investment in this sector. Conversely, open communication, transparency, and community involvement can foster trust, leading to greater support for geoenergy initiatives and a more sustainable future.