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is a multidisciplinary, scientific platform for widening the discussion and creating awareness about problems of Geoethics and Ethics applied to the Geosciences.

IAPG is legally recognized as a not-for-profit association, has 3301 members in 130 countries on 5 continents, and can count on a network of 37 national sections.

IAPG works to develop theoretical and practical activities covering a wide range of topics, including: the philosophy and history of geoscientific thought; research integrity and professionalism in geosciences; workplace climate and related issues; geoethics in geohazards and disaster risk reduction; responsible management of georesources; ethical and social aspects of geoeducation and geoscience communication; applications of geoethics in various fields such as economic geology, paleontology, forensic geology, and medical geology; the ethical and societal relevance of geoheritage and geodiversity; sociological aspects of geosciences and the geoscience-society-policy interface; geosciences for sustainable and responsible development; geoethical implications of global and local changes in socio-ecological systems; ethics in geoengineering; ethical issues in climate change and ocean science; and ethical implications related to the geoscience data life cycle, big data, and the use of artificial intelligence in geosciences, as well as international cooperation in geosciences.

What is Geoethics?

Geoethics consists of research and reflection on the values which underpin appropriate behaviours and practices, wherever human activities interact with the Earth system.
Geoethics addresses the ethical, social, and cultural implications of geoscientific knowledge, education, research, practice, and communication, providing a point of intersection between geosciences, sociology, philosophy, and economics.
Geoethics represents an opportunity for geoscientists to enhance their awareness of their social role and responsibilities in the conduct of their professional activities.

Geoethics serves as a means to enhance public awareness of challenges concerning geo-resources and the geo-environment.

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Affiliations and Agreements

IAPG promotes geoethics through the international collaboration with Associations and Institutions. IAPG has:
7 affiliations, 32 agreements for cooperation, 5 partnerships.


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International Geoethics Research Infrastructure (IGRI) 

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International Association for Promoting Geoethics

(IAPG)

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Commission on Geoethics of the International Union of Geological Sciences

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Chair on Geoethics of the International Union for Philosophy and Human Sciences

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News
Call for Papers – Special Issue in Journal of Geoethics and Social Geosciencs (JGSG): Geoethics and Social Geosciences in Africa: Challenges, Practices, and Perspectives

Guest Editors: Silvia Peppoloni (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Rome, Italy); Giuseppe Di Capua (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Rome, Italy).

About this Special Issue: This Special Issue aims to explore the multifaceted intersections between geosciences, ethics, and society across the African continent. Africa presents a rich yet complex landscape of geological resources, cultural diversity, environmental challenges, and socio-economic inequalities. These dynamics call for a geoethical approach to responsible geoscientific practice that is sensitive to local contexts, promotes sustainability, and empowers communities.

We invite contributions that critically reflect on how geoethics and social geosciences can inform and improve the practice, governance, and societal impact of geosciences in Africa.

This JGSG Special Issue is an initiative by the IUGS Commission on Geoethics and the International Association for Promoting Geoethics (IAPG).​

Key Topics of Interest (but not limited to):

  • Geoethics in African Geosciences: Ethics in geological research, education, exploration, and policy-making across African contexts.

  • Resource Extraction and Local Communities: Mining, oil, and gas: ethical responsibilities, social impacts, and benefit sharing.

  • Geoscience Education and Public Engagement in Africa: Inclusion, decolonization, and culturally relevant education in geosciences.

  • Natural Hazards and Disaster Risk Reduction: Ethical and social dimensions in the management of earthquakes, floods, droughts, and volcanic risk.

  • Climate Change, Water, and Environmental Justice: African perspectives on climate adaptation, sustainable water management, and environmental stewardship.

  • Indigenous Knowledge and Geoscience Integration: Case studies and critical reflections on how indigenous worldviews can enrich or challenge conventional geoscientific practices.

  • Geotourism, Geoheritage, and Cultural Landscapes: Ethical frameworks for promoting geodiversity, geoconservation, and sustainable tourism.

  • Policy, Governance, and Ethics in African Geosciences: Regulatory frameworks, transparency, and the role of geoscientists in shaping just and inclusive development.

 

Submission Guidelines:

- Types of Contributions: Original research articles, case studies, review articles, and reflective essays.
- Length: 5,000–8,000 words (negotiable for case-specific needs).
- Languages Accepted: English.
- Peer Review: All submissions will undergo peer review process.

 

Important Dates:

- Expression of Interest (Title & Abstract): 28 September 2025
- Manuscript Submission Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Expected Publication: articles will be published online as soon as accepted for publication.

 

How to Submit Your Expression of Interest:

Please send your title, abstract, corresponding author's email and affiliations of all co-authors to: giuseppe.dicapua@ingv.it 

- ​Download the article template (doc file)

- Download the poster of this JGSG Special Issue (pdf file)

Website of the Journal of Geoethics and Social Geosciences:

https://www.journalofgeoethics.eu/

About JGSG:

The Journal of Geoethics and Social Geosciences (JGSG) is a diamond open-access (no fee for authors and readers), peer-reviewed journal dedicated to exploring the ethical, social, and cultural dimensions of the geosciences. It promotes interdisciplinary dialogue and responsible science for society.

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The Board of Scholars of the CIPSH Chair on Geoethics is now active!

This Board is formed by scientists and scholars with diverse disciplinary backgrounds:

 

  • Silvia Peppoloni (Italy), Chairholder - Geoscientist and Geoethicist

  • Jens Braarvig (Norway), Philologist

  • Rosi Braidotti (The Netherlands), Philosopher, Writer, Feminist

  • Giuseppe Di Capua (Italy), Geoscientist and Geoethicist

  • Robert Frodeman (USA), Philosopher

  • Torbjörn Lodén (Sweden), Sinologist

  • Luiz Oosterbeek (Portugal), Historian and Archeologist

  • Roger Paden (USA), Environmental Philosopher

  • Anne (Wagabe) Poelina (Australia), Aboriginal community leader and Environmentalist

  • Emma Ruttkamp-Bloem (South Africa), Philosopher of Science and Technology

  • Harold P. Sjursen (USA), Philosopher of Technology

  • Jan Zalasiewicz (United Kingdom), Field geologist, palaeontologist, stratigrapher

  • Nickolas C. Zouros (Greece), Geoscientist

 

Read more about the Board of Scholars (you will find a short bio and fields of interest of each member): https://www.geoethics.org/cipsh-cg/board-of-scholars

The Chair on Geoethics of the International Council for Philosophy and Human Sciences (CIPSH) is focused on creating a research network aimed at developing discussions on a global ethics grounded in geoethics, i.e. an ethics of responsibility towards the Earth system, through the lens of different cultural perspectives. Geoethics, initially developed to address the ethical and social implications of geoscience knowledge and practice, needs interdisciplinary approaches to develop its potential as an ethics capable of fostering a planetary ecological humanism. In this perspective, geoethics is the meeting point between geosciences, humanities and social sciences. The cooperation between scholars with different disciplinary background is the challenge for dealing with the anthropogenic global changes of social-ecological systems and creating pathways for a responsible human progress. From this point of view, the goals of the CIPSH Chair on Geoethics are in line with CIPSH mission of favouring the exchange of knowledge among scholars from different disciplines, international cooperation and the promotion of the richness and diversity of cultures.

 

The CIPSH Chair on Geoethics is hosted by the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology), Rome, Italy

 

Read more about the CIPSH Chair on Geoethics:

https://www.geoethics.org/cipsh-cg

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Call for Papers – Special Issue on Geoethics in Andean Geology:
Geoethics in Chile and Latin America: Contextual Reflections for Responsible Geoscience

Guest Editors: Luisa Pinto (Department of Geology, Universidad de Chile); Hernán Bobadilla (Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano); Tania Villaseñor (Facultad de Agronomía y Sistemas Naturales e Instituto de Geografía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile); Pablo Ramírez (ETHICS, Universidad de Chile); Millarca Valenzuela (Departamento de Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Católica del Norte / Editorial Board, Andean Geology).

About the Special Issue: Andean Geology invites submissions for a forthcoming special issue on geoethics, aimed at fostering critical reflection on the ethical dimensions of the geosciences in Chile and Latin America. We welcome contributions that explore how geoscientific work intersects with ethical responsibilities, social dynamics, and environmental challenges, with the aim to promote geoethics as a much needed reflection for practices in geosciences today. The issue seeks to promote constructive and well-informed discussions that enrich our collective understanding of the role of geoscientists in society.

Topics of Interest: Guest editors invite original research papers, reviews, case studies, and reflective essays on topics including (but not limited to):

  • Ethical challenges in fieldwork and relations with communities

  • Geoethics in geohazard assessment and disaster risk management

  • The Geoscientists’ role in socio-environmental conflicts

  • Ethics in teaching, mentoring, and knowledge production

  • Power asymmetries and epistemic (in)justices in geosciences

  • Extractivism, sustainability, and environmental responsibility

  • Ethical issues in applying new technologies to geosciences

  • Geoethics and public communication of geoscience

  • Codes of ethics, professional conduct, and institutional frameworks

 

They particularly encourage contributions that incorporate scientific analysis or regional perspectives, or that contribute to developing new geoethical approaches in practice.

Language and Accessibility: Manuscripts may be submitted in English or Spanish, with bilingual abstracts (English and Spanish) required as per journal policy. However, given the international readership of Andean Geology, submissions in English are strongly encouraged.

Ethical Framework: Authors are invited to explicitly reflect on ethical considerations relevant to their work. As a reference, we suggest the Chilean Code of Geoethics (Código de Geoética de la Sociedad Geológica de Chile, 2024), which provides a structured and context-based framework and includes the Topics of interest of this call. This code is offered as a non-binding guide, especially relevant for studies within Chile. International authors are encouraged to refer to local or institutional ethical frameworks where applicable, as well as the wide range of publications made available by the International Association for Promoting Geoethics (IAPG): https://www.geoethics.org/publications.

Timeline:

 

  • July–August 2025: Optional submission of short abstracts (2–3 paragraphs) for early feedback

  • August 2025 – March 2026: Open window for full manuscript submissions

  • April – December 2026: Peer review, revision, and acceptance process

  • January 2027: Target publication in Andean Geology

 

Accepted articles will be made available online as “in press” with DOI assignment (pending technical feasibility).

To submit a preliminary abstract or for further inquiries, contact: Dr. Luisa Pinto (Lead Guest Editor): lpinto@uchile.cl

Guest editors welcome early communication from authors who wish to discuss potential contributions.

Read more (pdf file)

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Published the first special issue of the Journal of Geoethics and Social Geosciences!

We are pleased to inform you that the first special issue of the Journal of Geoethics and Social Geosciences (JGSG) has also been printed in hard copy, thanks to the support of the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV).

 

Special thanks to all colleagues who contributed to this issue, titled "25 Years of Advancing Geoethics and Social Geosciences at INGV" and edited by Silvia Peppoloni and Giuseppe Di Capua.

 

All papers included in the special issue are available for free download at:

https://www.journalofgeoethics.eu/index.php/jgsg/catalog/category/special-issue-25-years-ingv

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11 August 2025
18:00-19:30 (GMT-4)
Online (in Spanish)
Workshop organized by IAPG-Chile/SGCh Geoethics Group

Workshop "Developing Geoethical Judgment: Cases That Could Happen to Us – What to Do?", organized by IAPG-Chile/Geoethics Specialist Group of the Geological Society of Chile (SGCh).

This workshop will provide tools to develop and share case studies in geoethics, using a methodology applicable to geoscience education.

 

Registration: https://n9.cl/5zd7iw

Zoom link: https://n9.cl/gtjjy

Download the poster (pdf, in Spanish)

In Spanish:

Taller "Formando Criterios Geoéticos: Casos que podrían ocurrirnos ¿Qué hacer?", organizado por el Grupo de Especialistas de Geoética de la Sociedad Geológica de Chile (SGCh).

En este taller se entregarán herramientas para construir y compartir casos de estudio en geoética, con una metodología aplicable en la enseñanza de geociencias.

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22 July 2025
Online
3 pm (GMT+12)
Geoethics Aotearoa New Zealand Seminar Series: Sampling ethics and geo-data sovereignty in Aotearoa

This session was a discussion of Te Tiriti compliance in geological sampling and recognising data as a Taonga, something to be treated with care and respect.

Karaitiana Taiuru (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Toa), an internationally recognised expert with Māori Data Sovereignty, will highlight issues and provide some solid examples of how to implement culturally safe Te Tiriti compliant data governance practices. 

Ben Kennedy, a volcanologist and geoscience educator at University of Canterbury, will talk about his journey moving from a parachute scientist towards Tangata Te Tiriti, he and his team are still learning and still making mistakes on how to behave ethically when researching Aotearoa’s Maunga.

 

Video (GeoScience NZ YouTube channel):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ti3RVudK-jc

Download the poster of this seminar series (pdf)

Website of IAPG-NZ/Geoethics Special Interest Group within GSNZ

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1-5 October 2025
Kampala (Uganda)

 
Geoethics in Africa at CAAWG11

11th International Conference for the African Association of Women in Geosciences (AAWG)

The IAPG - International Association for Promoting Geoethics is partner of this conference.


Ezzoura Errami (AAWG President and IAPG Continental Coordinator for Africa), Silvia Peppoloni (IAPG President), and Giuseppe Di Capua (IAPG Secretary General) invite you to contribute to this important international event on geosciences.


In particular, we highlight the Sub-theme: "Geoethics and Inclusive Development" (Ethical governance of Earth's resources is crucial for sustainable development):

- Geoethics principles and applications
- Responsible mining frameworks
- Inclusive policies development
- Equitable resource distribution
- Ensuring equity in resource governance


CAAWG11 website: https://aawg.ug/

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IAPG and GGPG signed a MoA on 8 May 2025.
IAPG is also an Observer Organisation of GGPG from 15 May 2025.

​Global Geoscience Professionalism Group (GGPG) and IAPG signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on 8 May 2025.
The aim of the memorandum of agreement (MoA) is to establish a coordinated approach, where appropriate, to promote initiatives and events that address the ethical, social, and cultural implications of geosciences, and to uphold high ethical standards in geoscience research and practice, in order to better serve both the geoscience community and society at large.
GGPG agrees also to support the “Cape Town Statement on Geoethics” (that contains the Geoethical Promise, a Hippocratic-like oath for geoscientists, https://www.geoethics.org/ctsg) and be included among the list of supporting organizations of the statement.
GGPG was founded by its Members to provide an international forum for discussion on matters of common interest among professional geoscience organizations, and to encourage all geoscientists to strive for and maintain excellence in geoscience professionalism. The GGPG was formed in 2021 to follow on and develop the efforts of the Task Group on Global Geoscience Professionalism (TGGGP), which operated under the International Union of Geological Sciences from 2012 to 2019. The founding members of the GGPG are organizations that collectively represent many thousands of professional geoscientists across the world. They are the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG), Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG), European Federation of Geologists (EFG), Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA), Geoscientists Canada (GC) and International Raw Materials Observatory (INTRAW). The purpose of the GGPG is to provide an international forum for discussion on matters of common interest among professional geoscience organisations and to encourage all geoscientists to strive for and maintain excellence in geoscience professionalism. Professional geoscience organization for the purposes of the Group’s terms of reference is defined as an organization having an enforceable code of ethics, minimum knowledge and experience registrant membership requirements, and a commitment to continuing professional development among their registrants/members. The objectives of GGPG are as follows: To provide information that will result in a greater understanding of the role and importance of geoscience professionalism; To facilitate greater understanding and collaboration between geoscience professional organizations globally; To document and disseminate information on geoscience professional organization standards, codes, continuing professional development, and complaints and discipline, and; To provide greater clarity concerning pathways and assessment criteria for those seeking to attain professional qualifications.

IAPG is also an Observer Organisation of GGPG from 15 May 2025.


GGPG website

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Geoethics Medal 2024 awarded to Anne (Wagaba) Poelina (Australia)

"Professor Anne Poelina is one of Australia’s most respected Indigenous leaders. Over the past 30 years, she has employed a powerful combination of public engagements, peer-reviewed academic papers, podcasts, community meetings, poetry, storytelling and filmmaking to share the lived experiences of Indigenous people and expand appreciation of the value of Indigenous knowledge for the challenges facing our world. She has instigated and managed many cultural development projects in remote Aboriginal communities to preserve and promote Indigenous culture and country, including restoring traditional languages and developing Indigenous dictionaries. Her collaborative, cooperative ethos has resulted in her initiating various ‘two-way science’ projects combining the best non-Indigenous and Indigenous knowledge to restore and preserve ecosystems and people’s well-being. As an Indigenous leader, Poelina regularly contributes to national and global Think Tanks and was a signatory to the 2010 Redstone Statement which she helped draft at the First International Summit on Indigenous Environmental Philosophy. She consistently secures academic grants and community investments in support of whole-of-system sustainability projects. As lead researcher at the Nulungu Institute, she oversees all research activities, guides and supports data gathering and analysis, and oversees all project reporting. At the international advocacy level, her appearances and many collaborative publications have contributed to expanding networks and global thinking about the value of Indigenous knowledge in meeting the challenges of our time. Her Heal Country, Health Climate advocacy is building investment and partnerships for entrepreneurial ‘new economy’ opportunities for Indigenous people with green collar jobs in science, culture, heritage and conservation economies."

Read more about Prof. Anne (Wagaba) Poelina

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Geoethics in the Apheleia 2025 Conference Series

Giuseppe Di Capua (INGV Senior Technologist, IAPG Secretary General, IUGS Commission on Geoethics Governing Board Member) gave a talk titled "Geoethics and the polycrisis: Navigating humanity’s role in shaping a responsible future" in the Apheleia 2025 Conference Series, on 13 February 2025.

The video is available on the IAPG YouTube channel:

https://youtu.be/iOF5rIQUyCE

The video is also available on the YouTube Channel of Apheleia Project:

https://youtu.be/9782zIGtTOo

The project Apheleia hosts a bi-weekly series of on-line conferences open to its members and outside participants with an interest in novel approaches to landscape transformative cultural processes, from technology to symbols, arts or governance.The project “Apheleia – Cultural Integrated Landscape Management” is based on a strategic partnership led by universities, with research centres, local authorities, enterprises and NGOs. It was endorsed by the International Council for the Philosphy and Human sciences (CIPSH) and the International Year of Global Understanding (IYGU), also having established a collaboration with UNESCO’s programme MOST (Management of Social Transformations) from 2016.

 

Apheleia website and Apheleia 2025 conference series program:
https://apheleiaproject.org/

2-6 February 2026
Ōtautahi Christchurch (Aotearoa New Zealand)

 
Session on Geoethics in New Zealand
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11th IAG International Conference on Geomorphology

 

Session "Engaging the relational work of geomorphology"

 

Conveners: Michele Koppes (University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada), Gary Brierley (University of Auckland, Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand), Clare Wilkinson (National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research, Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand), Matthew Hughes (University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand).

 

Session description:

The discipline of geomorphology has relied traditionally on focused scientific methods to understand landscape change. Such knowledge production inevitably intervenes with ongoing struggles over place-based, situated environmental explanation, as well as perceived authority to govern the environment. As we face the complex challenges of the Anthropocene, including accelerated climate change, there is an urgent need to develop ethical frameworks for research and practice that are attentive to these relations, ensuring that geomorphology becomes a science that is radically responsible to the communities and landscapes in which we work. This discussion session will explore how geomorphology can evolve to become more inclusive and attuned to social and cultural relations. We will discuss the importance of weaving our understanding of the histories and impacts of landscape change within these relations, with the aim of reimagining geomorphological practices that are rooted in relation with the land, and that prioritize community-identified needs. We welcome contributions that address:

  1. Ethical considerations in collaborating with place-based knowledge holders, including Indigenous peoples

  2. Case studies of community-rooted approaches to scientific research on landscapes, water resources, and/or geohazards

  3. Strategies for framing research questions and methods around place-based understandings of environmental change

  4. Reflections on how geoscientists can better understand the contexts, histories, values, and priorities of the communities in whose lands they work

  5. The role geoethics in approaches to understanding landscapes

This session seeks to foster a community dialogue on how we create a more ethically-grounded geomorphology that respects diverse ways of knowing. By sharing experiences and best practices, we hope to contribute to the development of a more holistic and culturally sensitive approach to understanding and addressing landscape change in the Anthropocene.

 

Conference website: https://www.confer.co.nz/icg2026/education-outreach-and-ethics/

The new Executive Council of the IAPG

The new Executive Council (EC) of the International Association for Promoting Geoethics (IAPG) is in charge from 1 November 2024.

 

The EC is now formed by:

 

  • President: Silvia Peppoloni (Italy)

  • Vice-President: Peter T. Bobrowsky (Canada)

  • Vice-President: Elizabeth I. Rovere (Argentina)

  • Secretary General and Treasurer: Giuseppe Di Capua (Italy)

  • Continental Coordinator for North America: Vincent S. Cronin (USA)

  • Continental Coordinator for South America: Marita Ahumada (Argentina)

  • Continental Coordinator for Europe: Vitor Correia (Portugal)

  • Continental Coordinator for Africa: Ezzoura Errami (Morocco)

  • Continental Coordinator for Asia: Surya Parkash (India)

  • Continental Coordinator for Oceania: Matthew Hughes (New Zealand)

 

Bio-sketches of each EC member are available here: https://www.geoethics.org/executive-council

 

We wish to thank the previous members of the Executive Council. We greatly appreciate their efforts in helping the IAPG expand and strengthen its network over the years.

Past Executive Council (up to 31 October 2024)

Book on geoethics published by Elsevier

Silvia Peppoloni and Giuseppe Di Capua, eds. (2024). Geoethics for the Future: Facing Global Challenges. Elsevier, XXXI+401 pp., ISBN 978-0443156540. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2022-0-00487-6

This book offers a set of points of view on highly topical issues in geosciences and beyond, including societal relevance of geosciences, georesources, sustainable development, geoeducation, georisks, data, as well as philosophical, legal, political, scientific considerations about anthropogenic global changes and the Anthropocene, enabling readers to acquire multifaceted knowledge on topics of global relevance in the 21st Century. This book explores topics vital to our historical moment and the future of human societies, through the analyzes by scholars with different disciplinary backgrounds, emphasizing the need for new cultural and scientific frameworks to address global issues. It aims to foster multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches for problem-solving, by integrating diverse knowledge and visions to effectively tackle urgent global challenges.
Serving as a significant milestone in geoethics, this book provides academics, researchers and students with insights into the ethical and societal dimensions of various challenges arising from human impact on the Earth system.

- Read more

- This book on Science Direct website

- Download for free the chapter "Introduction: Geoethics for the future" (by Peppoloni S. and Di Capua G.)

Book Cover Geoethics for the Future - Elsevier
Welcome to IAPG-Colombia

We are pleased to announce the establishment of IAPG-Colombia. This is our 37th national section. This section will be chaired by Prof. Clemencia Gomez (photo on the side). She is a geologist, holding a Ph.D. in Paleontology with a specialization in Quaternary palynology, and further qualifications in Business Administration and Oil Mining Law. She made history as the first female president of the Colombian Society of Geology, serving from 2017 to 2019, and later as President of the Colombian Association of Geology from 2021 to 2022. Throughout her career, she has held significant roles in both public and private companies, notably as the coordinator of the Geology Group at the National Hydrocarbons Agency. With over 25 years of experience as a university professor at various educational institutions, she currently serves as a full-time associate professor at the National University of Colombia. Her dedication to education and geoscience was recognized in 2021 when she received the Inspirational Geoscience Educator Award from the American Association of Petroleum Geologist (AAPG) Foundation. In 2022, she was honored with the Humberto Gallego Gamboa Order as an illustrious graduate of the Universidad de Caldas. As a testament to her commitment to public service, she was awarded the prestigious Public Service Award by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) in 2024. Her outstanding contributions to the field of geology and education continue to inspire future generations and drive positive change in the industry.

​​

List of the IAPG national sections

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Clemencia Gomez
AGU Ethical Framework for Climate Intervention
AGU Ethical Framework for Climate Intervention

From AGU website:

Climate change requires urgent action. Increasingly, the world is considering dramatic climate intervention approaches—often called geoengineering. Many of these approaches are untested and the consequences are not well understood. In 2022, AGU launched its plan to develop an Ethical Framework for Climate Intervention Research, Experimentation and Deployment—a code of conduct to guide climate intervention measures that may be needed in addition to emissions reduction.​

Website

Read the report "Ethical Framework Principles: A code of conduct for climate intervention research", published on 24 October 2024

Book on geoethics published by Springer

Peppoloni S. and Di Capua G. (2022). Geoethics: Manifesto for an Ethics of Responsibility Towards the Earth. Springer, Cham, XII+123 pp., ISBN 978-3030980436. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98044-3

This book outlines the current development of geoethical thinking, proposing to the general public reflections and categories useful for understanding the ethical, cultural, and societal dimensions of anthropogenic global changes.

Geoethics identifies and orients responsible behaviors and actions in the management of natural processes, redefining the human interaction with the Earth system based on a critical, scientifically grounded, and pragmatic approach. Solid scientific knowledge and a philosophical reference framework are crucial to face the current ecological disruption. The scientific perspective must be structured to help different human contexts while respecting social and cultural diversity. It is impossible to respond to global problems with disconnected local actions, which cannot be proposed as standard and effective operational models. Geoethics tries to overcome this fragmentation, presenting Earth sciences as the foundation of responsible human action toward the planet. Geoethics is conceived as a rational and multidisciplinary language that can bind and concretely support the international community, engaged in resolving global environmental imbalances and complex challenges, which have no national, cultural, or religious boundaries that require shared governance. Geoethics is proposed as a new reading key to rethinking the Earth as a system of complex relationships, in which the human being is an integral part of natural interactions.

- Read more

- Download the book front matter (pdf file)

- This book on the Springer Link website

Geoethics Manifesto

IAPG endorses the eLearning Course "Practical Geocommunication"

Dear IAPG member,

IAPG has recently endorsed the eLearning course ‘Practical Geocommunication’ offered by Geologize Ltd. Geologize teaches geoscientists to bring the public to a great understanding and appreciation of our planet through effective and powerful communication.

To find out more about the course, please check out the following video:
https://youtu.be/jQDZxDZnUC8

As a member of an endorsing association, you now have a 70% discount on the usual course price.

Your unique access code is: iapg-pggz

Here’s how to start your learning experience!

1) Head over to https://training.geologize.org/courses/geocomms
2) Click on 'BUY'
3) Register (Free)
4) Click on the link ‘Have a coupon?’
5) Enter the code above. This applies the 70% discount.
6) Pay the remaining value.
7) Start learning!

The number of times this coupon can be used is limited to the current membership of the IAPG, so I kindly request that it not be shared with those outside the IAPG.

Learners follow the course at their own pace and you will have lessons, quizzes, assignments and the opportunity to interact directly with myself, Dr Haydon Mort. A certificate is provided at the end of the course, with the seals of the IAPG, The Geological Society of London and the European Federation of Geologists, who also endorse the course.

All the best,
Haydon Mort


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Dr. Haydon Mort
CEO-Director Geologize Ltd
Geologist, Science Communicator

Practical Geocommunication course

Book: Teaching Geoethics

This e-Book was a deliverable of the Erasmus+ project GOAL "Geoethics Outcomes and Awareness Learning". It can be downloaded for free and cited as follows:

Vasconcelos Clara, Schneider-Voß Susanne, and Peppoloni Silvia (Eds.)
Teaching Geoethics
Resources for higher education
2020, U.Porto Edições, 207 pp., https://doi.org/10.24840/978-989-746-254-2

Free download

Ebook Teaching Geoethics

Cape Town Statement on Geoethics

It sums up all the values, concepts, contents developed by IAPG, giving a perspective for the future development of geoethics. Supported by 22 geoscience organizations and available in 35 languages

Geoethical Promise

A Hippocratic-like oath for geoscientists, originally proposed at the 34th IGC-International Geological Congress in Brisbane (Australia). Translated in 35 languages

Journal of Geoethics and Social Geosciences

Articles on the ethical, social and cultural implications of geosciences, and on study and research aimed at accompanying safe and sustainable development policies for human communities, transdisciplinary food for thoughts and proposals aimed at addressing global anthropogenic changes

SpringerBriefs

in Geoethics

It envisions a series of short publications that aim to discuss ethical, social, and cultural implications of geosciences knowledge, education, research, practice and communication. 

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Off-Earth Geoethics
(by Ilan Kelman, United Kingdom)
 

"Geoethics examines the ethics of human and Earth interactions. Topics range from planetary-scale modifications for stopping human-caused climate change through to creating local micropollution for improving livelihoods. All subjects also apply to human interests away from the Earth, including spaceships, space stations, other planets, moons, and stars."

Read the article in the IAPG Blog

Other articles published in the IAPG Blog

Periodic table
A Wider Perspective on Chemistry and Sustainability
(by Enrico Cameron, Italy)
 

"In May 2024, the journal Chemical Science, published by the Royal Society of Chemistry, issued the open-access paper titled “An anthropocene-framed transdisciplinary dialog at the chemistry-energy nexus."

Read the article in the IAPG Blog

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CrankyCartoon-97-percent-climate-scientists-with-caption
Resources to give facts a fighting chance against misinformation
(by Bärbel Winkler, Germany)
 

"At a guess, readers of this blog published by the International Association for Promoting Geoethics (IAPG) will - just like me - find spreading mis- and disinformation a rather unethical activity. But, it unfortunately happens and we all need to take that into account and be prepared for it. None of us is immune - even with the best intentions - to accidentally spreading misinformation. It therefore helps to be aware of at least some tell-tale signs in order to prevent liking or even sharing what later turns out to be misinformation. In this blog post, I'll introduce some resources to give facts a fighting chance against misinformation."

Read the article in the IAPG Blog

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IAPG blog March 2024
Is ethics solely pertinent to the fields of mining and geosciences?
(by Marita Ahumada, Argentina)
 

"Over the past decade, mining operations in Argentina and numerous other countries have endured widespread discredit and stigma. Misinformation campaigns, incomplete data dissemination, and the propagation of post-truth narratives have obstructed the acknowledgment of the scientifically grounded and ethically responsible practices employed in modern mining ... Social and environmental accountability is a collective imperative that relies on the active involvement of all stakeholders."

Read the article in the IAPG Blog

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Uluru Australia
Ethical Considerations for Responsible Geological Fieldwork and Sampling
(by Enrico Cameron, Italy)
 

"Geological fieldwork and sampling play a crucial role in broadening our comprehension of the Earth’s complexities. Geoscientists should conduct these activities ethically, with respect for both the natural world and the communities they engage with. This responsibility becomes even more crucial when working on Indigenous lands, where acknowledging the historical context and upholding cultural values are paramount"

Read the article in the IAPG Blog

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IAPG blog
The Indigenous Groundwater Declaration of the Australian Chapter of the IAH
(by Enrico Cameron, Italy)
 

"In November 2022 the Australian Chapter of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) has put forward the Indigenous Groundwater Declaration to foster the respect and inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in groundwater activities, deliberations, decisions, and policies."

Read the article in the IAPG Blog

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IAPG blog November 2022
The era of crises: facing the choices to build the future
(by Silvia Peppoloni, Italy)
 

"For about fifteen years I have been dedicated to the development and promotion of geoethics around the world. When I speak of geoethics, I refer to an ethics of responsibility of the human being towards the Earth system; a geosophy, a "knowledge" of the functioning of the Earth, which in the human being translates into Aristotelian phronesis, a wisdom capable of directing choices, a wisdom of living the Earth, which presupposes the awareness of the human position and condition in the great natural architecture. ..."

Read the article in the IAPG Blog

Other articles published in the IAPG Blog

Teaching Geoethics

Books on Geoethics

White Papers

Research Integrity

In evidence
Ethics AI UNESCO
Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
("This Recommendation addresses ethical issues related to the domain of Artificial Intelligence to the extent that they are within UNESCO’s mandate. It approaches AI ethics as a  systematic  normative  reflection,  based  on  a  holistic,  comprehensive,  multicultural  and  evolving  framework  of interdependent values, principles and actions that can guide  societies  in  dealing  responsibly  with  the  known  and  unknown  impacts  of  AI  technologies  on  human  beings,  societies  and  the  environment  and  ecosystems,  and offers them a basis to accept or reject AI technologies. It  considers  ethics  as  a  dynamic  basis  for  the  normative  evaluation and guidance of AI technologies, referring to human  dignity,  well-being  and  the  prevention  of  harm  as a compass and as rooted in the ethics of science and technology")
UNESCO 2022

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2023 State of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Sector
2023 State of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Sector
(The 2023 State of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Sector is a collaboration between the World Bank’s Extractives Global Programmatic Support Multi-Donor Trust Fund (EGPS) and Pact)
World Bank 2023

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CIPSH Lisbon Declaration
Lisbon Declaration on Humanities, Open Research and Innovation 
 
Result of the European Humanities Conference 2021
Lisbon, 7 May 2021

This document is supported by the IAPG - International Association for Promoting Geoethics
Guidelines for Geoconservation
Guidelines for geoconservation in protected and conserved areas 
 
(by Crofts R., Gordon J.E., Brilha J., Gray M., Gunn J., Larwood J., Santucci V.L., Tormey D., and Worboys G.L.)
Best Practice Protected Area Guidelines Series No. 31. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. ISBN 978-2-8317-2079-1, doi:10.2305/IUCN.CH.2020.PAG.31.en.
IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, 2020
Global Research Report on Research Integrity
Global Research Report
Research Integrity: Understanding our shared responsibility for a sustainable scholarly ecosystem
 
(by Szomszor M. and Quaderi N., Institute for Scientific Information)
October 2020
Gender inclusion in oil, gas & mining
Promoting Gender Diversity and Inclusion in the Oil, Gas and Mining Extractive Industries 
 
A Women’s Human Rights Report
(by R. Park, B. Metzger, and L. Foreman)
The Advocates for Human Rights, January 2019
SDGs
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
 
On 25 September 2015, countries adopted a set of goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years.
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Disclaimer: Personal views and opinions expressed by those who serve IAPG in a voluntary capacity or who publish through IAPG do not necessarily reflect those of IAPG and its constituent and associated committees and organisations

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International Association for Promoting Geoethics

Via di Vigna Murata 605, 00143 Rome (Italy) | iapgeoethics@aol.com

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