Science is not above any socio- and geopolitical issues; rather it is intertwined with them. Societal and geopolitical conditions deeply affect the choices we make about what research to fund, whose knowledge to value, where and with whom to collaborate, and who can attend a conference. As scientists, especially in the Earth and planetary sciences, we cannot ignore the human and environmental consequences of our work. It is especially a present issue in Earth observation, where the majority of the satellites have dual-use operating for both scientific and military purposes. In many cases, scientific tools have facilitated ecocide, exploitation of land and natural resources under neocolonial structures.
While discussing security and safety is crucial during times of conflict, we also need to be aware of possible risks that securitisation poses on the ethical, social and environmental aspects of scientific work. This is also relevant for disaster and risk management and preparedness which many geoscientists are involved in.
This session invites presentations by individuals and teams that address questions like:
- How should geoscientists conduct research and collaboration in fragile or geopolitically unstable regions?
- How do geopolitical tensions or decisions influence geoscience research and collaboration, and what can geoscientists do about it?
- What are the impacts of political borders and decisions on the functioning of the Earth’s systems? How do they affect how geoscientists study the Earth’s systems?
- What are the roles of scientists, academic institutions as well as Earth science societies like EGU in facilitating international collaboration, and supporting academic advocacy and activism in times of geopolitical instability and tensions?
- What responsibilities do Earth and planetary scientists carry when their research is used to harm people and the environment?
- What other geoethical dilemmas arise in such circumstances, and how can they be resolved?
Examples may include current or past case studies of Earth science research that has:
- prevented or caused situations that escalated into conflicts
- increased transparency about the impact of war on people and places (e.g., InSAR monitoring of building damage)
- historical and current examples of geoscientific knowledge used for resource extraction, such as hydrocarbon, water and critical minerals, and their links to conflict, instability, forced migration, famines and underdevelopment