Mankind is both an active part within Nature, as a factor which conditions Nature itself, and a passive element towards Nature, since it is exposed and forced to coexist with natural phenomena. This involves a risk for human life, for productive activities and artistic and historical heritage. So it has become more and more urgent to follow a respectful and pragmatic behavior towards the Geosphere. Geoethics, born as a meeting point of Geology, Sociology and Philosophy, deals with theoretical and practical aspects of decisions concerning the risk management and mitigation of geohazards, the use of geo-resources and solutions to geo-environmental problems. So it could turn out to be an effective tool for influencing the awareness of society about these problems all over the world, combining ethical and cultural values with technical and economic considerations.
The socio-cultural role played by geoscientists is essential. Geoscientists can promote a culture, sensitive to the environment, correct information on natural risks, a more constructive relationship amongst the scientific community, mass media, civil society and policy-makers. The commitment of Geoscientists in communication and education at different levels can contribute to replace the "culture of emergency" with the more effective "culture of prevention". Geoscientists has scientific and technical knowledge and this implies their responsibility to act in an ethical way, turning this knowledge into ethical action, by taking into account the common good and the public use.
The Conveners invite abstracts from Authors on the above and related ethical issues, dealing with their views and experiences: in studying and managing natural hazards, as well as in designing and implementing risk reduction, in suggesting models, methods and ideas to influence the decision-makers in risk reduction programs, in transferring information about risks to the Society, in teaching especially young people correct behaviors toward the Geosphere.

The webinar video of this session can be found at:

http://www.egu2013.eu/nh9_8_video.html