Geoscientists play a key role in providing essential information for decision-making processes that consider environmental, social, and economic consequences. Therefore, their responsibilities go beyond scientific analysis. Global challenges such as climate change, resource management, and disaster risk reduction urge geoscientists to extend their role beyond research and ethically engage in public efforts. Geoethics provides a framework to reflect on the ethical, social, and cultural implications of geoscience in both research and practice, guiding responsible action for society and the environment. It also encourages the scientific community to move beyond purely technical solutions, embracing just, inclusive, and transformative approaches to socio-environmental issues.
This session aims to explore, through case studies and discussion, how geoethics can shape responsible behaviors and policies in geosciences. We welcome theoretical, methodological, and practical contributions addressing a wide spectrum of issues, such as:
• Ethical and social aspects in geosciences, at the interface between geosciences, society, politics, and decision-making processes
• Responsible and sustainable management of georesources (surface and groundwater, soil, rocks, minerals, and energy)
• Ethical and social aspects in geo/environmental education and geoscience communication
• Geoethics in natural hazards, georisks, and disaster reduction
• Ethical and social relevance of geoheritage, geodiversity, geo-conservation, geotourism, and geoparks
• The role of geosciences in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Ethical and social issues related to climate change
• Ethical aspects in new geoscience frontiers (such as geoengineering and deep-sea mining)
• Ethical implications in data lifecycle management, big data, and the use of AI in geosciences
• Ethical questions across various geoscience disciplines, including economic geology, engineering geology, hydrogeology, paleontology, forensic geology, medical geology, and planetary geosciences
• Integrity in research and practice in geosciences, publication ethics, and professionalism
• Issues of inclusivity, diversity, harassment, discrimination, and disability in geosciences
• Incorporating Indigenous and local knowledge into geosciences
• Geoscience neo-colonialism
• Ethical and social issues in international geoscience cooperation
• Philosophy of geosciences and the history of geoscientific thought