Geoscientists inform decisions with environmental, social, and economic consequences, so their responsibilities extend beyond scientific analysis. Challenges such as climate change, risks, and sustainable resource management require ethical engagement with society. Geoethics examines the ethical, social, and cultural implications of geoscience, promoting responsible, just, inclusive, and transformative approaches. Through case studies and interdisciplinary discussion, this session explores how geoethics can shape responsible geoscientific practices and policies. We welcome theoretical, methodological, and practical contributions on topics including:
• Ethical and social aspects of the geosciences, particularly at the interface between geoscience, society, politics, and decision-making
• Responsible and sustainable management of georesources, including surface water, groundwater, soils, rocks, minerals, and energy resources
• Ethical and social aspects of geoscience and environmental education and communication
• Geoethics in relation to natural hazards, georisks, and disaster risk reduction
• The ethical and social significance of geoheritage, geodiversity, geoconservation, geotourism, and geoparks
• The role of the geosciences in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Ethical and social issues related to climate change
• Ethical challenges associated with emerging frontiers in the geosciences, such as geoengineering and deep-sea mining
• Ethical implications of data life-cycle management, big data, and the use of artificial intelligence in the geosciences
• Ethical questions across geoscience disciplines, including economic geology, engineering geology, hydrogeology, palaeontology, forensic geology, medical geology, and planetary geoscience
• Integrity in geoscience research and practice, publication ethics, and professional conduct
• Inclusivity, diversity, harassment, discrimination, accessibility, and disability in the geosciences
• The respectful and meaningful integration of Indigenous and local knowledge into the geosciences
• Neocolonialism in geoscience research and practice
• Geoscience diplomacy and ethical and social issues in international geoscience cooperation, including the role of geoscientific knowledge in fostering dialogue, collaboration, and peace
• The philosophy of the geosciences and the history of geoscientific thought