Design, strategy & innovation for a better future

Geodesiq takes inspiration from the architect R. Buckminster Fuller’s recognition that sustainable prosperity is possible if we develop and apply a more comprehensive understanding of the Earth system. Our name comes in part from the geodesic dome structures Fuller designed and which have become an expression of efficient design, including in the use of resources and for adaptive management of adverse conditions.

The word ‘geodesic’ is an expression of ‘geodesy’, which is the science of measuring the Earth. This was done long before we could see the Earth from space, by reasoning, using mathematics, applying geometric principles, and understanding that the distances we travel are not on a flat surface but over the surface of a spherical planet. The design of the process of reasoning required to measure the Earth in this way is an example of efficient scientific work, producing immense future value for all who benefit from the countless ramifications of that information.

A ‘geodesic’ is a geometric category, referencing the shortest possible way to move from one point to another across the surface of a three-dimensional object. Geodesic shapes laid next to each other can approximate the shape of a sphere. For us, this is a way of keeping in mind the goal of finding an optimal way to move across and exist on planet Earth.

We need to understand our planet, if we are to navigate it safely and securely, effectively and efficiently, to make use of its many provisions, and to do so without degrading the watersheds, ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate—across both the atmosphere and the ocean—that make our home planet habitable.

Buckminster Fuller wrote:

“The human brain is nature’s most powerful anti-entropy engine.”

We take that as a rallying cry, to learn and mobilize to avoid disaster, by putting in place the ingredients of a safe, informed, liberated, and sustainable future.

Smart future design depends on all of society having this understanding, then designing and setting in motion processes that translate Earth science into actionable local insights. Small businesses, local communities, charitable and humanitarian organizations, national and international agencies, lawmakers, the press, engineers, farmers, and everyone else involved in determining what kind of conditions we will experience—all can benefit from and increase value by using such insights to make smarter choices.

Innovation is needed, across many sectors: Energy, food systems, land use, infrastructure, data, banking and finance, and how we organize ourselves as members of society to engage civic processes and support the health and resilience of nature while protecting the rights of all. Those innovations all need to have an understanding of what is happening, what is at stake, and how best to make wise choices that reduce risk and increase protection.

We live in a time when human industry is changing our planet noticeably and dramatically—altering the chemical composition of the atmosphere and ocean, disrupting the way they transfer heat and weather from place to place, and putting toxic, plastic, and other pollutants into waterways, ecosystems, nearly all life forms, and the sedimentary record. Changes to polar ice caps are easily visible from space and are causing the planet to absorb more heat more quickly, accelerating climate disruption.

The safety of everyone and everything is at stake. Our commitment is to identify the insights, tools, and strategies, for helping to avoid climate breakdown and related risks, and to secure a future that is informed by science and healthy for people and for Nature.

Inquire to learn more about consultancy and partnership opportunities.

Our Logo

Our logo shows an egret using its natural abilities to outrun a crashing wave. This is not a common scene, because egrets generally wade along the edges of inland bodies of water. They are also found near coastlines, but not among ocean waves. They know their preferred habitat and are well adapted to thrive there. They have skills and employ strategies that translate into varied but similar ecosystems.

In our time of worsening climate disruption, surging ocean waters are more likely to find ponds, inlets, and streams where coastally habituated egrets like to make their living. We celebrate the beauty and dynamism of Nature, while recognizing that climate disruption is changing conditions in dangerous ways, for all of us. While our egret might outrun the wave, we cannot move our cities, homes, roads, and extended webs of experience at the last minute. We need better, more forward-looking plans and strategies.

That is the purpose of Geodesiq.

Founder’s Background

Geodesiq was founded by Joseph Robertson, an internationally recognized climate policy leader. This venture brings together unique intellectual property, created over more than two decades of climate-related advocacy and innovation.

Joseph Robertson is Executive Director of Climate Civics International and Chief Strategist for the Climate Value Exchange.

He is a core partner in the Good Food Finance Network and leads GFFN efforts toward a Co-Investment Platform and Integrated Data Systems. In this capacity, he serves as GFFN lead for Climate Finance Readiness support to vulnerable countries, in partnership with the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization.

He previously served as Interim Director for the Food System Economics Commission during its start-up phase and then Senior Advisor, Sustainable Finance for the EAT Foundation. He also led the Impact Investors Living Lab for the EU-sponsored Food Trails Initaitive, which produced a Roadmap for Scaling Impact Investment in Urban Food Systems.

Read more at JRobertson.earth