Nigerian geophysicist Tolulope Esther Awopejo has called for stricter regulations on industrial practices after new research linked human activities to about 6% of global shallow earthquakes.

Presenting at the 44th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Physics in May 2023, Awopejo outlined findings from a study conducted with colleagues at the University of Abuja and New Mexico Highlands University. The research, based on decades of global seismic data, found that mining, fluid injection, reservoir impoundment, and hydrocarbon extraction are increasingly altering the Earth’s subsurface stability.

Her presentation, titled “Impact of Human Activities on Earthquake Occurrence: A Global Seismological Review,” was delivered to an esteemed gathering of physicists, geoscientists, and policymakers.

Awopejo revealed that the study, conducted in collaboration with co-authors from the University of Abuja and New Mexico Highlands University, synthesises global seismic data to quantify how industrial and energy-related activities are increasingly altering Earth’s subsurface stability.

Her research presents compelling evidence that human-induced earthquakes, often triggered by underground mining, fluid injection, reservoir impoundment, and hydrocarbon extraction, are responsible for approximately 6% of global shallow seismic events. Notably, she points out that in regions like the central United States and western Canada, anthropogenic earthquakes often exceed naturally occurring tremors in frequency.

“The results show that up to 68% of these induced events are linked to fluid-pressure changes from industrial disposal and geothermal operations,” she said during the post-presentation interview.

She added that effective government regulation, especially policies limiting wastewater injection, has proven to reduce seismic activity within just a few years.

The study is among the most comprehensive of its kind, drawing on decades of seismological data, statistical modelling, and case studies from over 20 countries. It also underscores the emerging risks of newer energy technologies, such as underground hydrogen storage and carbon capture, which, if unregulated, could further elevate seismic risks in the future.

Experts across the globe have praised the research for its relevance in a world grappling with both energy expansion and climate risk. Her recommendations for improving seismic hazard mapping and integrating machine learning into early warning systems are already gaining attention in academic and policy circles.

The study not only contributes to scientific understanding but also offers tangible frameworks for policy-driven risk mitigation, positioning Awopejo as a voice of authority in the emerging field of anthropogenic seismology.

Her research is expected to have significant implications for engineering design, energy regulation, and global seismic risk assessment, making her a promising candidate for international research recognition and leadership.