Geoscience will play a major role in addressing some of the fundamental societal and economic challenges of the 21st Century. But delivering on that responsibility requires geoscientists from industry, academia and government to work together to convey effectively why many of the most pressing issues matters are fundamentally geological in nature. To do that, geoscientists need to learn how to recast their knowledge and technical advice in forms that are appropriate and relevant for politicians, civic and commercial decision makers (e.g. planners) and the wider public. this session will explore the challenges of this, critique current practice and propose new strategies for public engagement in contested geoscience.