Geoscientists of all disciplines handle professional issues that have ethical, social and cultural implications. The ethical frameworks for research and practices, which help scientists of all disciplines to cope with ethical dilemmas and their societal responsibility, evolve steadily. Increasingly, geoscientists are aware of their ethical responsibilities - towards themselves, colleagues, society and the environment. Regularly, geoscientists put their knowledge at the service of society, communicate it effectively, and foster public trust in science-based solutions. Geoscience knowledge (and related expert advice) is vital for informed decision-making; hence the importance of education at all levels and capability building of citizens to participate at the quest and implementation of solutions to geoscience problems. As evolved during the last decade, Geoethics provides an open framework for such concerns, by discussing values underpinning appropriate behaviors and practices, wherever human activities interact with the Earth system.
Geoethics includes research integrity and professional deontology and the role of geoscientists in exploration and use of geo-resources (including water and soil) while meeting high standards of environmental protection. Evidently, geoethics deals with harassment, bullying and discrimination in the geosciences, e.g, on grounds of gender, ethnicity or disability. In fact these deplorable behaviors and the retaliation that can derive from them, compromise the freedom to follow ethical practices in one's profession.
Geoethics refers to the role of geosciences in the economic and social development of low/high-income countries, in sustainable development, in the defense of the society against natural risks, and the mitigation of the impact of human activities on human wellbeing and Earth system dynamics.
Geoethics relates with social sciences and humanities to further science communication, public awareness of geosciences, geo-education for the citizens, appreciation of geoheritage (and geoparks) to raise perception of the importance of Earth system for our lives and cultures.
Geoethics recognizes geosciences to be a public good that contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals, as recommended by the United Nations. Hence, geoscience insights shall be shared effectively for the benefit and progress of society. Therefore, geoscientists contribute to the handling of important societal problems, to grow public awareness and knowledge of the geosciences relevant to people’s lives.
The conveners invite abstracts on ethical, social and cultural implications of geoscience, including case studies. The aim of the session is to develop ethical and social perspectives on the challenges arising from human interaction with natural systems, to complement technical approaches and solutions, and to define an ethical framework for geoscientists' research and practice in addressing these challenges. Contributions from Early Career Scientists are encouraged, explicitly.