Relational Geoscientific Pragmatism as the foundation of the Geoethics Method

In an increasingly interconnected and vulnerable world, combining pragmatism and relationality in geosciences is essential for addressing environmental challenges ethically and responsibly. Relational Geoscientific Pragmatism (RGP) underpins the method proposed by geoethics, offering tools to manage geological complexities within the context of modern societies. It fosters an integrated perspective where geosciences are closely linked to social responsibility and sustainability.

The geoethics method places respect for the environment, the sustainable management of natural resources, the safety and well-being of current and future generations at its core. It consists of integrating a practical, solution-oriented approach in geosciences with an ethical value system that guides decisions related to the management and human interaction with the Earth system. It focuses on context-specific solutions, applying rigorous scientific methods to the relationships between natural phenomena, societal needs, and decision-making processes in each context.

The fundamental elements of the geoethics method can be outlined as follows:

• Geoscience knowledge: it is fundamental to understanding natural phenomena and environmental dynamics, addressing challenges related to natural resource management, climate change, and environmental sustainability, and guiding the decision-making process. This knowledge enables accurate risk assessment and resource evaluation, offering objective and reliable data that underpin informed, evidence-based decisions.
• Interdisciplinarity: environmental issues are inherently complex and demand the integration of knowledge from a wide range of disciplines, including geosciences, social sciences, economics, law, and philosophy. The aim is to cultivate a holistic understanding of both natural systems and social contexts, ensuring that the interventions address the full complexity of the challenges, respecting their multifaceted nature.
• Responsibility and scientific analysis: geoethics demands all stakeholders to act responsibly, being aware of the consequences of their actions and balancing conflicting interests. The rigorous application of scientific analysis ensures that every decision is based on objective, verifiable, and up-to-date data. By prioritizing science, the geoethics method can navigate the value conflicts and ethical priorities that inevitably arise in decision-making processes.
• Defining ethical dilemmas and scenarios: The Geoethics Method identifies and analyse ethical dilemmas in human-environment relations, such as balancing economic growth with nature conservation, ensuring intergenerational justice, and protecting vulnerable communities. It facilitates scenario creation by envisioning outcomes of actions and evaluating them against sustainability, equity, and environmental respect.
• Inclusivity and dialogue: the Geoethics Method promotes the active involvement of all relevant stakeholders, including scientists, decision-makers, and local communities. This relational approach aims to find a reasonable alignment of values on which to base the choice of the best course of action for a given spatial and temporal context. Every proposed solution must be assessed not only for its technical feasibility but also for its capacity to address the needs and expectations of all stakeholders, thereby creating a dynamic balance between ecological and social concerns.

The Geoethics Method paves the way for responsible actions, helping decision-makers navigate modern challenges and create a geological governance model that seeks to strike a balance between scientific rigor and ethical and social needs.