Where the Earth Speaks

BC and Oregon sit on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Hawaii IS volcanic — the islands literally wouldn't exist without volcanoes.

This creates risks. It also creates opportunities.

The Volcanic Landscape:

British Columbia:

• Multiple volcanic complexes (most dormant, not extinct)
• Mount Garibaldi, Mount Meager, Mount Edziza
• Cascade volcanoes extend into BC
• Last major eruption: ~2,400 years ago (Mount Meager)
• Geothermal potential: Significant, underdeveloped

Oregon:

• Part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc
• Mount Hood (most likely to erupt next), Crater Lake (caldera from ancient eruption), Newberry Volcano
• Geothermal: Already developed in some areas
• Risk: Real but manageable

Hawaii:

• Active volcanoes (Kilauea, Mauna Loa)
• Kilauea erupted as recently as 2018 (destroyed hundreds of homes)
• New land being created (literally)
• Geothermal: Huge potential, underutilized
• Risk: Ongoing, part of life

The Risk Management Question:

Volcanoes will erupt. Earthquakes will happen. This is non-negotiable.

A unified approach to volcanic risk:

• Monitoring networks across all three regions
• Shared expertise in volcanology, seismology
• Emergency response coordination
• Public education about living with volcanic risk
• Land use planning that respects hazard zones

Hawaii is experienced with eruptions. That knowledge could inform BC/Oregon preparedness.

The Geothermal Opportunity:

Heat from the Earth. Available 24/7. Zero carbon emissions.

Current geothermal:

• Iceland: ~30% of electricity from geothermal
• BC: Minimal development despite potential
• Oregon: Some development, could expand
• Hawaii: Puna Geothermal (30 MW) — controversial history, significant potential

The opportunity:

• BC's hot springs indicate geothermal resources — undeveloped
• Oregon's Cascades have significant potential
• Hawaii could get substantial electricity from Kilauea region

The challenge:

• High upfront costs
• Drilling risk (dry wells are expensive)
• Cultural concerns (especially Hawaii — Pele considerations)
• Environmental concerns (water use, induced seismicity)

Research Collaboration:

Three volcanic regions = natural research corridor.

• Mauna Kea observatories (Hawaii) — world-class astronomy
• Pacific Geoscience Centre (BC) — earthquake/tsunami research
• USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory (Washington, but Oregon adjacent)

Unified research programs:

• Volcanic monitoring
• Geothermal development
• Earthquake early warning systems
• Tsunami preparedness

Discussion Questions:

1. Should geothermal development be prioritized despite cultural/environmental concerns?
2. How do we prepare for volcanic events across three different risk profiles?
3. What's the right balance between exploiting geothermal resources and respecting sacred sites?
4. Could the region become a global leader in volcanology?
5. How do we talk about volcanic risk without either panicking or being complacent?