JOURNAL OF GEOETHICS AND SOCIAL GEOSCIENCES
Open access: This is a diamond open access journal. It means permanent and free access to published scientific works for readers and no publication fees for the authors – it is 100% free. Importantly, authors retain copyright of their work and allow it to be shared and reused, provided that it is correctly cited. Readers anywhere in the world may download, share or use the work, free of charge, providing that it is correctly cited. Copyright: Articles are published under the CC BY 4.0 license (Attribution 4.0 International). DOI: Each published article has its unique DOI (Digital object identifier). e-ISSN: 3035-2835 Language: English. Supporting organizations: International Association for Promoting Geoethics – IAPG (https://www.geoethics.org).
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia
A framework for the establishment of an interpretive center at the Lake Bosumtwi Impact Crater, Ghana: a hub for geoscience education and social geosciences
The Lake Bosumtwi Impact Crater in Ghana, approximately 1.07 million years old and designated as an IUGS Geological Heritage Site, holds significant geological, educational, cultural, aesthetic, and economic importance. Historically, its potential for education and community involvement has been underutilized. This study developed a framework for creating an interpretive center for the Lake Bosumtwi Impact Crater by conducting a systematic literature review and comparative analysis of Geopark Ries (Germany), Vredefort Dome (South Africa), and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania), along with local knowledge gathered through field visits. Our framework offers a model that combines geoethics, geoscience education, and social geosciences. It is built on three pillars: 1) immersive geoscience education to improve public geoliteracy; 2) implementing geoethics through community-led governance and ethical geotourism; and 3) advancing social geoscience through participatory research and sustainable local initiatives. We conclude that this integrated approach can transform the Lake Bosumtwi Impact Crater from a site focused on scientific research to a hub for inclusive knowledge sharing and sustainable development. It can also serve as a replicable model for connecting geological heritage with community well-being and addressing issues of geoscientific marginalization.
Geoethics and Social Geosciences in Africa: Challenges, Practices, and Perspectives
Copyright (c) 2026 Marian Selorm Sapah, Yvonne Sena Akosua Loh, Cyril Dziedzorm Boateng, Daniel Kwadwo Asiedu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Learning from five pioneer women in Geosciences: a long-lasting story
This article is a first product compiling the results of dissemination activities conducted within the group “Women in Geosciences” at the Department of Earth and Geoenvironmental Sciences, University of Bari, aimed primarily at involving young students. It collects the individual stories of five female geoscientists from different countries, covering a wide time span (17th to 20th century), working in different fields of study (mineralogy, palaeontology, geology, marine geology, petrography). Martine de Bertereau, Mary Anning, Maria Matilda Ogilvie Gordon, Maria Vasilyevna Klenova and Oplinia Hieke explored mines, mountains, beaches, and oceans, while collecting and studying minerals, fossils, and rocks. In many cases, their activity resulted in economic and cultural improvements that initially benefited small groups and then entire communities. The common thread linking all these stories concerns the numerous obstacles and prejudices these women have had to face due to the persistent gender imbalance in Earth Sciences. Despite their intense research activity, some of them are remembered mainly as wives or disciples of famous male scientists and explorers. Some remained in the shadows because their scientific achievements were mainly attributed to well-known men, while others only gained recognition later. All of them are a great source of inspiration for their perseverance and contributions to the development of Geology as a Science. Learning from these pioneers should motivate younger women into Geosciences and help to understand which prejudices have been overcome and what still needs to be achieved.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rosa Anna Fregola, Patrizia Maiorano, Francesca Micheletti, Luisa Sabato, Martina Zucchi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The history of science is punctuated by the unacknowledged contributions of women who, despite systemic barriers, fought for both knowledge and justice. Among them, the American teacher of geology and geography Zonia Baber (1862–1956) stands out not only for her advancements in geoscience education but, in parallel, for her relentless activism in defence of human rights, environmental preservation, and social equity. A fierce opponent of imperialism, racial oppression, and gender discrimination, she used her academic expertise as a platform for advocacy, recognising the inextricable link between geosciences and ethical responsibility. She worked within international networks to expose social injustices and the exploitation of both people and natural resources, promoting a vision of geosciences that served not only intellectual progress but also humanitarian and environmental causes. Simultaneously, her environmental engagement foreshadowed a modern geoconservation ethos, emphasising the need to safeguard geological heritage as both a scientific and cultural asset. This article contributes to a wider doctoral research project on public geological communication, which includes the recovery of overlooked histories of pioneering women in geosciences to help inspire girls to pursue scientific education. Framed within this broader context, Baber’s legacy is re-examined here through the lens of geoethics, demonstrating how her vision, rooted in the convergence of science, activism, and justice, offers a significant perspective for contemporary debates on the ethical role of the geosciences in shaping a more equitable and sustainable world.
Copyright (c) 2025 Annachiara Rosati, Luisa Sabato, Marcello Tropeano https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Quaternary period, covering the most recent 2.6 million years of Earth’s history, provides crucial insights into climatic variability, landscape evolution, and the development of human societies. In Italy, with its diverse geological and archaeological heritage, Quaternary research has long thrived at the intersection of geology, paleontology, archaeology, and environmental sciences. Traditionally male-oriented, Quaternary research in Italy has undergone a significant transformation in recent decades, with women researchers playing an increasingly prominent and influential role. This article examines the evolving role of women within the Italian Association for Quaternary Research (AIQUA), exploring their contributions to scientific advancement and leadership. Drawing on historical data and a dedicated survey among AIQUA members, it analyzes gender dynamics, professional trajectories, and institutional representation. The results reveal both progress and persistent disparities, particularly in positions of visibility and authority, highlighting the ongoing need for structural reform and cultural change. The profiles of pioneering scientists such as Maria Bianca Cita and Maria Follieri illustrate the foundational role of women in shaping the discipline and serve as enduring sources of inspiration. Ultimately, the article advocates for sustained efforts in mentorship, inclusive governance, and increased visibility to promote a more equitable future for Quaternary research in Italy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ilaria Mazzini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Travels with Lyell. Mary Horner’s “hidden” contribution to early nineteenth century geology
The early nineteenth century marked a crucial phase in the development of Earth sciences. While traditional historical narratives have largely focused on male scientists, a more composite picture is now emerging that recognises the participation of women who, in various ways and within the constraints of their time, contributed to the formation of the geosciences. In Britain, in particular, many women were actively engaged in scientific work, conducting research along the coasts and in the countryside, helping to uncover the Earth’s geological past. Despite being excluded from formal scientific institutions, women often found ways to participate in informal networks of collaboration, carving out significant roles for themselves in a male‑dominated scientific environment. This article focuses on Mary Elizabeth Horner Lyell (1808‑1873). Reconstructing her contributions is difficult: she did not publish under her own name and much of her work is indistinctly intertwined with that of her husband, the geologist Charles Lyell (1797‑1875). Through the examination of archival material, travelogues and correspondence, this study explores Mary Horner Lyell’s work as a geologist, conchologist, field assistant, translator and correspondent within international scientific networks. Her case illustrates how women, though often invisible in the published literature, played essential roles in the production and circulation of scientific knowledge of the early nineteenth century.
Mary Elisabeth Horner, Women in Geosciences, Conchology, Scientific Correspondence
History of science (geology and palaeontology), Mary Elizabeth Horner Lyell
Copyright (c) 2025 Antonia Cofano, Rossella De Ceglie https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Internal and external perspective on gender equity in STEM field
This article introduces an approach aided by Artificial Intelligence based on Large Language Model approaches designed to assess the status of the gender equity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects comparing data gathered from two types of surveys carried out among Academic and Non-Academic environments. We conducted the Academic study in the Department of Engineering and Geology at the University “G. d’Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara (UdA), Italy, and the Non-Academic one among a broader public audience mainly composed of common people and students who took part in the Researchers’ Night 2024 at the University Campus of Chieti. The study adopted a dual approach: an Academic level analysis – named Internal Analysis - examines departmental data and dynamics, and a Non-Academic level analysis – called External Analysis, evaluates perceptions and awareness of gender equity among the participants to the Researchers’ Night 2024 at the Chieti Campus, who were involved in interactive games and questionnaires focused on gender representation in STEM fields. The outcomes illustrated and discussed hereinafter offer preliminary insights into gender gaps, stereotypes, and potential pathways to fostering greater inclusion and equity in working and living around the STEM world. Creating a more inclusive and equitable ground requires actively supporting the presence and interaction of diverse viewpoints, especially those shaped by different gender experiences. Men and women may bring distinct approaches, values, and ways of evaluating situations, encouraging an open dialogue between different perspectives that can enrich strategic thinking and lead to more robust and well-rounded outcomes both at institutional level and in human relationships.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alessia Amelio, Serena Doria, Stefano Pagliaro, Monica Pondrelli, Bianca Ranieri, Giovanna Vessia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessing gender distribution in Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology disciplines in Italy, with a focus on academic career progression and scientific productivity
The European Union's strongly focuses on gender equality through policies like the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 and the 2025 Roadmap for Women's Rights. Despite progress in gender equality policies across the EU, women still encounter major obstacle in Academia, especially in the STEM field. This study examines possible gaps in Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology disciplines in Italy, with a focus on academic career progression and scientific productivity. Data collected from the MUR-CINECA database (2001-2024) and SCOPUS (2014-2024) show that women continue to be underrepresented in all Academia stages, covering only 19.3% of Full professors, 29.6% of Associate professors, and 30.6% of Researchers. Additionally, analysis of publication metrics shows that especially at the Full professor level, female academics exhibit scientific productivity that are comparable to - or even higher than - those of their male colleagues. However, women usually have lower H-index values and less last-author positions, suggesting possible barriers to research recognition and leadership opportunities. Through an anonymous survey among female Engineering Geologists and Hydrogeologists, it emerges that about 60% of women have experienced of workplace discrimination, while 38% of mothers felt their careers were temporarily sidelined during maternity periods. Women reported difficulties with work-family balance, due to decreased involvement in research networks, and limited access to fieldwork opportunities. The findings indicate that solving gender inequality requires actions that attend not just to representation numbers, but also to the nature of roles, recognition and research leadership opportunities combined with National/European laws that protect women during maternity periods.
Copyright (c) 2025 Emma Petrella, Elena Del Gaudio, Rita Tufano, Monica Papini, Daniela Ducci https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
State of the art on gender equality at the Geological Survey of Italy
This study investigates gender distribution in different roles and positions within the Department for the Geological Survey of Italy (GEO) and compared with other European Geological Surveys (EGS) and Italian geologists. A specific focus is dedicated to fieldwork, an activity traditionally perceived as male dominated. Through the analysis of employment data from 2010 to today, survey results, and European reports, the concentration of women and men in different occupations (horizontal segregation) and the uneven distribution of genders in leadership positions (vertical segregation) are assessed. Despite a slight increase in the number of female leaders in recent years, women remain underrepresented in technical staff roles at GEO, with percentages stalling around 40%, consistent with broader European trends. The study also highlights a persistent gendered division in private workload: women are more likely to take parental leave, care for relatives, and devote free time to unpaid care work. Initiatives introduced at GEO, such as agile work and support during maternity leave periods, have improved life-work balance, although long-term effects require further evaluation. Additionally, the research points out the invisibility of gender variability in official statistics: we argue this constitutes a specific type of segregation and propose a non-binary approach to data collection. Addressing all types of segregation requires targeted actions, including systematic, necessarily participatory, collection of gender-disaggregated data on both public and private workload, and promotion of positive workplace practices. This approach would help reduce gender gaps and foster a better working environment for all employees, regardless of gender.
Copyright (c) 2025 Giuditta Radeff, Adele Garzarella, Maria Teresa Lettieri, Chiara D'Ambrogi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
30 years of women in science in Italy through the lens of the Major Risks Commission
In Italy, the National Commission for the forecasting and prevention of the Major Risks is a technical-scientific advisory body of the Civil Protection Department. Its contributions are fundamental for implementing strategies for forecasting and preventing civil protection risks and for emergency management from a technical-scientific point of view. The Commission was officially established in 1992. Since then, it has continued to operate to this day, albeit with varying organisation and internal composition over time. The Commission has always been composed of high-level experts from various scientific disciplines related to the different risks addressed by civil protection. As such, it can be considered as an indicator for the gender balance within the scientific community engaged on disaster risk for over 30 years. In this work, we analyse the number and gender distribution of the Commission’s members since its establishment, to investigate the absolute numbers, percentages and role played by women scientists over the considered period. For the last decade, we have compared our results with the most recent gender analysis for the Academia and Research Institutes, conducted by the National Agency for the Evaluation of the University and Research System (ANVUR). Our results show that, although the percentage of women in the Major Risks Commission is broadly in line with the Academia in Italy, this merely reflects a wider, persistent underrepresentation at senior levels. A general increase can be observed over time, but the growth is still limited. The reasons for this reduced female presence are also explored, together with some possible actions aimed at increasing the number of women in these contexts.
gender balance within the scientific community that works on disaster risk
National Commission for the forecasting and prevention of the Major Risks
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Daniela Di Bucci, Dr. Cecilia Franceschetti, Dr. Titti Postiglione https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Monsters and dragons of the past: the ichthyosaur of Mary Anning
In 1811, following the discovery of a skull by her brother Joseph, Mary Anning (1799-1847), then aged 11, discovered the fossil remains of what would be identified as the first complete ichthyosaur, a decisive breakthrough in the history of understanding past life. This contribution examines the discovery of the ichthyosaur not as an isolated event, but as part of a wider network of female contributions to early nineteen-century geosciences. Despite their exclusion from formal education and scientific institutions, women such as Mary Anning, certainly the best known, Elizabeth Philpot (1779-1857), Charlotte Hugonin Murchison (1788-1869) and Mary Morland Buckland (1797-1857) played crucial roles in the development of early nineteenth-century geosciences, collaborating with each other and with male geologists, often without recognition. Through manuscript and printed sources, we reconstruct how their expertise, from fossil preparation to scientific illustration, shaped disciplines then in the making. The story of Anning and the other women geologists offers an emblematic case study of the gender dynamics in nineteen-century science, between male appropriation of knowledge and female resistance.
The role of geospatial training in empowering women for environmental decision-making polices
Women significantly contribute to the development in geospatial technologies and their applications for remote sensing, showing scientific excellence and innovative approaches in different environmental domains. This research article presents a review of the contribution of women to geospatial studies and their potential to further the course of sustainable development by way of a critical literature review and capacity-building analysis. The results show that women researchers lead in introducing new methodologies on geospatial technologies, from developing new methods for monitoring with drones to further developing machine learning applications in environmental assessment. Women-led research covers important topics in wetland monitoring, studies of the effects of climate change, water quality management, and precision agriculture. These contributions contribute directly to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG5 (Gender Equality) and SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). This study concludes that participation by women in geospatial science is highly necessary in solving complex problems of the environment with divergent viewpoints and their solutions. Further recommendations include an increase in targeted training, the use of inclusive approaches in research, the provision of mentorship opportunities, and integrating the leadership of women into environmental policy frameworks in view of achieving sustainable development goals.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aasiya Qadir, Muhammad Usman, Andrea Artoni, Nicolo' Chizzini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The influence of geoethics on the professional activity of the Earth sciences
The purpose of this study is to identify the challenges that geoscientists face in their professional practice concerning geoethics. It explores their perceptions, the tools available to them, and the significance of this concept in their professional activities. The research relies on semi-structured interviews conducted with Earth Science professionals who have developed their careers primarily in Argentina, and to a lesser extent in other regions. Although the term "geoethics" is not systematically addressed in academic institutions, professionals compensate for this lack of formal training with their own ethical values, in alignment with the protocols established by the companies or institutions that employ them. Furthermore, when ethical dilemmas arise, they often find themselves reconciling their personal values with corporate objectives, without the support of a geoethics code to guide them in cases of conscientious objection when consensus proves insufficient.
Copyright (c) 2025 Roberto Lencina, María Nieves Solsona https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
This is the preface to the Special Issue of the Journal of Geoethics and Social Geosciences, titled "25 Years of Advancing Geoethics and Social Geosciences at INGV".
25 Years of Advancing Geoethics and Social Geosciences at INGV
Copyright (c) 2025 JOURNAL OF GEOETHICS AND SOCIAL GEOSCIENCES https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Communication strategy for volcanic hazard understanding in Italy: The role of INGVvulcani team
Communication by public institutions about volcanoes and their activity is crucial in Italy, where many active volcanoes are in inhabited areas. In recent years, in addition to traditional conferences, science festivals, open days, and seminars, communication efforts towards the public have been carried out through 2.0 and 3.0 web activities, based on blog and social media, to establish a dialogue with non-experts. This is particularly important for research institutes like the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV, National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology), which is responsible for monitoring Italian active volcanoes and collaborates with civil protection authorities in emergency planning. Since the birth of INGV in 2000, the many branches of the institute have been strongly involved in communication with media and outreach activities. Recently, INGV has improved its communication about volcanoes. The blog ingvvulcani.com was launched in 2018, followed by associated INGVvulcani Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. According to modern volcano risk communication practices worldwide, the INGVvulcani blog and social media are used to provide comprehensive and timely information on volcanic activity and its impacts, particularly focusing on Italian volcanoes. We publish a range of content including real-time updates on volcanic eruptions and activity, bulletins, scientific analyses, educational articles, and multimedia resources, adapting our strategy to volcanic activity levels, providing general information during dormancy and real-time updates during crises. INGVvulcani’s approach prioritizes transparency, accessibility, and engagement, using blogs and social media to foster informed discussions. Social media insights highlight strong public interest and trust, but further qualitative analysis, including sentiment studies and surveys, as well as professional engagement could help to address challenges like misinformation and enhance communication strategies in the future. Our aim is to disseminate scientific knowledge, enhance awareness of volcanic hazards, and promote a culture of preparedness and safety, especially for people living in areas near active Italian volcanoes who need to be accurately and constantly informed about volcanic hazard and monitoring, in collaboration with national and local Civil Protection authorities.
25 Years of INGV's Education and Outreach: Bridging Science and Society
Over the past 25 years, the science outreach activities of the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) have evolved from individual efforts by scientists into organized initiatives led by teams at INGV. These efforts aim to enhance public understanding of the importance of geosciences and to promote a culture of prevention. Outreach efforts target schools and the general public through a range of activities, including guided laboratory visits, participation in national and international events, and the development of multimedia educational tools. An overview of our key activities is presented here, highlighting the role of geoscience in education and emphasizing the importance of equipping the next generation with an understanding of Earth system complexities. The overview also offers valuable perspectives on fostering children’s awareness of geoethics to prepare them to address global challenges. In particular, the project with schools is one of the longest-running initiatives of the INGV Third Mission activities and has had a significant impact on local communities. Over the years, we have welcomed thousands of students, highlighting the importance of initiatives dedicated to schools, which are a strategic sector for the dissemination of geosciences. Regarding selected outreach initiatives, we have conducted impact evaluation analyses to monitor efficacy and better refine our actions. Finally, in addition to the school project, a notable initiative includes an annual drawing competition for primary school students, which has collected over 35,000 drawings. This extensive dataset provides a unique opportunity to analyze how children’s perceptions of geoscientific subjects have evolved over time.
Tsunami Ready, a public engagement tool for risk mitigation: The Italian experience
In this article, we describe the functioning of a Tsunami Warning (and mitigation) System (TWS), with particular attention to its downstream component. Besides the scientific and technological developments of such systems, it is important that scientists get involved with society at various levels to help reducing the tsunami risk, supporting actions by local communities and authorities, and supporting the interface between science and policy. In particular, we point our attention to the importance of involving citizens in the risk reduction strategy, starting from the background of the UN Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015-2030 which focus on people and their needs: There has to be a broader and a more people-centred preventive approach to disaster risk. The approach of the Italian Tsunami Alert Center of the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) for tsunami risk mitigation involves several activities aimed at increasing people’s awareness and preparedness, including the UNESCO IOC Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme (TRRP) discussed in this contribution. After describing the study of tsunami risk perception carried out in recent years in Italy, we focus on the experience gained in our country over the past four years, particularly examining the TRRP of Minturno, the first Italian municipality to receive this recognition in July 2024.
How to raise awareness of seismic risk? Lessons learned from case studies within European Projects
Awareness of at-risk population is a cornerstone of disaster risk management, and effective strategies should integrate sustainability to ensure long-term impact. While hazard and risk assessments are essential for prevention, their success is greatly enhanced when exposed communities are adequately informed. This article presents lessons learned and follow-up insights into seismic hazard and risk awareness from case studies of two European projects—UPStrat-MAFA (Urban Disaster Prevention Strategies using Macroseismic Fields and Fault Sources) and KnowRISK (Know your city, Reduce seismic risk through non-structural elements). The discussion focuses on the rationale behind the selection of target audiences, how messages were adapted to meet diverse needs, and which educational tools were developed to address specific contexts. These experiences provided insights that were applied in national and international initiatives. Reflecting on experiences gained through European collaborations, this overview helps refine communication approaches and offers guidance for improving future earthquake risk mitigation efforts.
The contribution of psychosocial research to earthquake and tsunami risk mitigation
This article explores the psychosocial dimensions associated with the study of natural hazards, focusing on research activities and key experiences gained during Italy’s major seismic emergencies from 2009 to the present. Particular attention is given to the perception of seismic and tsunami risks, based on research conducted by the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) in Italy since 2012. The article examines the memory of past disasters and its role in fostering community awareness of the natural hazards that affect their regions. It also highlights INGV’s initiatives, including risk awareness campaigns targeting citizens and educational programs designed for schools. Furthermore, the seismic emergency information interventions conducted during the three most recent large-scale emergencies—Abruzzo (2009), Emilia-Romagna (2012), and Central Italy (2016–2017)—are presented. These emergency information activities not only meet the need for reliable information and counter misinformation but also offer opportunities for psychoeducational interventions. Ultimately, these efforts aim to offer psychosocial support and promote the restoration of local social networks. The themes discussed contribute to the development of effective strategies and actions for risk reduction.
The ethical dimension of sharing solid Earth Science data
Open Science is the paradigm driving the sharing of research data worldwide. It includes the ambition to make FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-usable) data sharing the default. FAIR guiding principles for research data have been recently proposed to scientific communities as the new horizon for sharing data. The FAIR principles create the conditions to foster data sharing and improve data stewardship, provided that several legislative, organizational, and ethical issues are addressed. In this paper, we aim to discuss the ethical dimension of sharing solid Earth science data. Earth scientists have a long-lasting tradition in data acquisition, quality control, and standardization, being the key actors in feeding and implementing metadata and services for qualification, storage, and accessibility. Pan-European Research infrastructures like EPOS (European Plate Observing System) involve scientific communities and research organizations federating facilities and resources to ensure data management and interoperability through e-science innovation. After introducing the ethical issues associated with the protection of personal data, intellectual property rights, and data misuse, we will focus on the impartiality for public good. This opens a new horizon to the ethical dimension of open access to research data, going well beyond research integrity. This assumes an outstanding relevance when referring to solid Earth science data since they also concern natural and anthropogenic hazards and risk communication relying on sharing scientific information with different stakeholders. Although we present a specific perspective for solid Earth science, we believe that the addressed ethical dimension is relevant for environmental science in general.
Ethical recommendations for Artificial Intelligence technology in the Geological Sciences - with a focus on Language Models
Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers many opportunities for the geosciences to improve productivity, reduce uncertainty in models and stimulate discovery of new knowledge. There are also risks to geoscience, from the spread of obsolete, inaccurate and misinformation, to threats on fundamental human rights. Whilst ethical AI frameworks exist from numerous institutions such as UNESCO, they are high level and lack practical detail in the geosciences particularly for Large Language Models (LLM). This is evidenced by the misalignment between the way current geoscience AI/LLMs are being designed, trained and deployed, with core ethical principles. Using principles and frameworks from UNESCO and the International Science Council (ISC), a set of ten recommendations are proposed to bridge the gap between practice and these ethical frameworks. Critical Realism is used as an underlying philosophy which allows the potential to provide justifiable recommendations to ethical and moral questions using judgemental rationality. These recommendations may help stakeholders in the international community reach conclusions on what ‘good looks like’ for ethical AI in the geological sciences focusing on Language Models and their applications. This may inform developers, regulators, policy advisors, journal editors, geological surveys, societies, institutions and unions, publishers, funding bodies, geoscientists and decision makers. This is believed to be the first research paper on AI ethics in the geological sciences with a focus on Generative AI. Understanding the nuances of our ethical choices for both the development and use of LLMs and other AI tools in the geosciences, has the potential to positively impact science integrity, and critically, ensure fairness, personal privacy, democratic norms and human rights are safeguarded.
Copyright (c) 2024 JOURNAL OF GEOETHICS AND SOCIAL GEOSCIENCES https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Anticipatory action and resilience in the Sahel pastoral region: Geoethical considerations in exploring the potential of coupling a regional early warning system with simulation modelling as a semi-qualitative case study in the development sector
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning have been taking an increasing role in analysing and monitoring socioeconomic vulnerability, especially regarding food systems in relation to geohazards. These methods require a large amount of data that are not always available at the field level, nor are they exempt from bias. Instead, more empirical qualitative approaches, such as case studies, seem more appropriate when analysing human-geosphere intersections. Therefore, efforts need to be made to establish how a case study approach can better inform AI and machine learning, what is the added value, and how do decision makers avoid missing important developments in anticipatory action. The case study approach may help current AI methods to make them more reliable and better; hence, there is interest in benefitting from them. Case studies are suitable for explaining complexity through data triangulation. At the same time, they allow a quick rate of return in terms of understanding complex interrelations between humans and nature, particularly when related to climate change and conflict risk assessments. Furthermore, they can be used together with machine learning methods to calibrate the validity of results and can, especially, be used as training data in machine learning. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, case studies bring transparency to scientific methods because they are not an extractive method, but apply iterative heuristics recognising the users’ experience and giving legitimacy to results; in turn, it is necessary to ensure impact and durability of decisions in the humanitarian and development sector. However, case studies are labour intensive and, therefore, it is only possible to have a limited number of case studies that serve to inform extrapolation methods using AI and machine learning techniques. This paper makes a conceptual review of the, as yet, unresolved inter-linkages of risk, vulnerability, resilience, and adaptation concepts, suggesting a georisks adaptive governance framework considering geoethical principles. Furthermore, it provides an example of how to apply this framework by coupling an early warning system in the Sahel region with systems dynamic modelling under a case study approach in order to observe the impact of adaptation strategies in relation to cultural resilience in food systems in the development and humanitarian sector.
HSIT system: Citizen Participation in Seismology for Data Collection and Enhanced Understanding of Earthquake Effects
Hai Sentito Il Terremoto (HSIT: Did You Feel the Earthquake?) is one of the longest-running citizen science projects on the web. Launched experimentally in 1996 and fully operational since 2007, HSIT has collected data on over 16,800 earthquakes felt in Italy through more than 1,500,000 questionnaires submitted by citizens. Of these, nearly 30,000 participants are registered with HSIT, ensuring continuous engagement across the national territory. The results of this collaboration are bidirectional: citizens contribute their experience of earthquake perception, forming a core dataset that provides localized information. In return, they receive real-time feedback on the earthquake's effects on their region, represented in macroseismic intensity using the Mercalli (MCS) and European (EMS) scales. This partnership enables seismologists to access high-resolution data for analyzing territorial responses to seismic events, including attenuation laws, identifying amplification and/or attenuation zones, and perception patterns based on urban characteristics and behavioral factors. Citizen involvement has expanded the scope of the investigation to include moderate-to-low magnitude earthquakes and distant areas affected by stronger quakes. Registered participants, in particular, gain awareness of earthquakes as ongoing, active phenomena, shifting from a perception of rare catastrophic events to a continuous focus on regional seismic risks. The HSIT project bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and common understanding, fostering a shared experience of living in earthquake-prone regions with awareness and respect for associated risks and preventive measures.
The International Geoethics Research Infrastructure
The development of geoethics has made remarkable progress in recent years, involving a growing number of scholars from various disciplines. This has led to the creation of spaces dedicated to sharing reflections, points of view, and study material. The network of relationships between scholars has significatively incremented both physical and virtual spaces for discussions strengthened conceptual coherence in geoethical thought, anchoring reflections in the historical evolution of the discipline and promoting further developments through open analysis. At the heart of this network is the International Association for Promoting Geoethics (IAPG), founded in 2012. More recently, two new bodies have joined this network: the Commission on Geoethics of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), established in February 2023, which serves as the supporting branch of the IAPG to the IUGS and is the official body addressing geoethics and social geosciences for the Union; and the Chair on Geoethics of the International Council for Philosophy and Human Sciences (CIPSH), established in January 2024, whose aim is to broaden the international research network by promoting interdisciplinary initiatives that integrate geosciences, humanities, and social sciences through geoethics. These three bodies together represent the International Geoethics Research Infrastructure (IGRI), built over years of activity in geoethics at the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV), Rome, Italy. It also includes the School on Geoethics and Natural Issues (the “Schola”), founded in 2019, and two editorial initiatives. This paper provides an overview of the foundations of geoethics and outlines the progressive development of the international research infrastructure supporting it.
Exploring the potential of collaboration between geoscientists and artists for a sustainable future of the Earth
Over the past two decades, communication technologies have transformed the world into a global village, thereby facilitating the rapid dissemination of information. This development enables life-saving data exchanges but also alters perception, leading to a disconnection from nature and a decline in environmental awareness and conservation efforts. Engagement with digital devices detaches individuals from the natural world, highlighting the need for initiatives that promote nature-based approaches and outdoor activities to foster ecological responsibility. Some studies have highlighted that even if people are aware of ecological problems that can interfere with human health, they resist adopting virtual behaviour. This article examines the impact of communication technologies on planetary sustainability education and alienation from nature since industrialization, contributing to humanity’s maladaptive environmental relationship. It also explores the potential of collaboration between geoscientists and artists to address this issue through personal experiences and interdisciplinary insights. In 2015, the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) proposed the first session at the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly to bring together scientists and artists. This article retraces this journey, demonstrating how combining these two cultures can foster planetary respect and enhance the well-being of both scientists and artists. By using narratives at INGV and geo-mythology to educate young learners, enthusiasm and curiosity about the territory they inhabit have been raised. This approach has boosted their creativity and provided a unique opportunity to increase awareness of territorial hazards while simultaneously appreciating its natural beauty. Similarly, integrating art into scientific communities has shown significant potential for disseminating scientific knowledge to the public, emotionally engaging audiences, reconnecting people with nature, and enabling scientists and artists to critically examine issues relevant to their respective fields. Finally, the implications of geoethics are explored.
A steady progress towards Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in STEM disciplines: a geoscience case study in Italy
Significant progress has been made over the last 25 years. At the beginning of the third millennium, as long as the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV, National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology) started growing, initiatives to develop and enhance human capital flourished and consolidated in Europe. The European Charter for Researchers, the Italian Code of Equal Opportunities, and the equality strategy in the European Research Area, to quote some references, foster commitments for more welcoming working environments and more responsible research and innovation. In its turn, over decades, INGV has seen a positive shift in favor of less represented gender, in female leadership and women participation, experiencing a situation common to many research organizations which are hard sciences oriented. At the same time, work-life balance and unease mitigation measures have been piloted and implemented. Nonetheless, more collective efforts are required to face current challenges. Natural hazards have different impacts on society. Therefore, gendered and intersectional perspectives must be adopted. The paper presents general concepts about gender equality in the first section, with a particular emphasis on the principles of the European Charter of Researchers and citation of relevant literature to making geoscience more diverse, equal, and inclusive. In the second part, the case study of INGV is provided, illustrating the main achievements and ongoing activities with a gendered perspective.
Ethical considerations about the geological profession in Italy (and beyond)
This work explores several ethical challenges associated with the geological profession, focusing on the Italian Deontological Code of Professional Geologists. Potential ethical conflicts related to the obligations outlined in the code are examined within, though not exclusively limited to, the broader perspective of geoethics. These conflicts include tensions between personal convictions and professional duties, as well as between the responsibility to preserve the environment and, at the same time, the interests of clients. The paper also discusses possible amendments to the code and tools to alleviate these tensions and promote ethical behaviour within the profession. The analysis aims for broader applicability, considering that the Italian Deontological Code of Professional Geologists shares similarities with other codes of ethics and that some of the identified conflicts may arise in contexts beyond the geology profession.
The Italian Deontological Code of Professional Geologists
Promoting ethical and deontological behaviors
Missed opportunities as a responsible geologist
Reflection upon missed opportunities as a geologist working in many countries revealed the importance of being socially responsible in many cases, especially given that geologists are often the first point of contact with communities in our professional work. Concern for social responsibility should be introduced in undergraduate geological education as an important complement with technical subjects. A review of personal experiences under various conditions working with industry and government on various national and overseas projects shows that this social aptitude would have been of great benefit to positive and sustainable work outcomes had it been applied at the time(s). Based on these experiences, I assert the need to introduce social responsibility content in undergraduate geoscience courses. This training on social responsibility is now especially relevant in the extractives sector notably in the exploration of critical minerals. Mineral exploration often involves important mutually beneficial social engagement with many communities including small scale miners and Indigenous People in developing countries. Undergraduate-level discussions about social responsibility can equip future geologists with essential tools to practice ethically and prevent missed opportunities in their careers.
Pagina della Memoria: a project about the scientific and cultural impact of the Italian “Racial Laws”. To the memory of Fiorella and Leone Anticoli
In January 2022, the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV, formerly ING) launched the website “Pagina della Memoria” (The Remembrance Page), https://paginadellamemoria.ingv.it, aimed at collecting and disseminating the documentation about the impact of the antisemitic “Racial Laws” on Italian culture. The “Racial Laws” were anticipated by the “Manifesto degli Scienziati Razzisti” (Manifesto of Racist Scientists) that, against any ethics, stated the biological concept of race. From 16 October 1938, the progressive removal of Jews from Italian universities, research institutions and academies caused irreversible damage to Italian culture, among which the exclusion of women, whose participation was at the forefront. In 2023, the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), the Istituto Nazionale per le Analisi delle Politiche Pubbliche, the Union of the Italian Jewish Communities and the Jewish Community of Rome formally joined the project. The Association of Italian Scholars and Scientists in Israel, the University and the Jewish Museum of Bologna supported the project as well. Within this framework, in January 2024 CNR was the first Italian research institute to pose four Stolpersteine, dedicated to the family of Giacomo Anticoli, expelled from CNR and then deported and killed. This paper traces the tragic family events of Leone Anticoli, who was expelled and then rehired at ING, a CNR institute at that time. His two-year old daughter Fiorella was deported to Auschwitz and killed. The discovery of Leone’s employee file provided unissued documents that introduced key-elements about the application and the consequences of the “Racial Laws” at ING.
Perceiving gendered organizations: positions, power, and gender in geoscience
This article explores inequality in European geoscience organizations through the perspective of geoscience women professionals and their perception of gendered positions in academia and industry. Male dominance in geoscience organizations has previously been demonstrated within US and Canadian organizations, often in relation to gender inequality in STEM subjects and rarely in relation to the specific ideals and practices that shape geoscience. The current study contributes a European context, as well as a comparative approach to gendered positions in the organizational contexts of academia and industry. Using participatory research methods and visualization techniques, the study collected 42 organizational maps of academic and industry organizations in 16 European countries. The results reveal perceptions of gender inequality in academic and industrial geoscience organizations through women’s limited access to positions of power, i.e. women geoscience professionals perceived underrepresentation in senior management positions in industry and in senior positions in academic organizations. Within the growing demand for geoscience expertise in the green transition, the results raise questions about what the perceived structures of gender inequality mean in relation to sustainable employment and good working conditions in European geoscience.
Etna 2018 earthquake: rebuild or relocate? Applying geoethical principles to natural disaster recovery planning
Etna’s eastern flank is crossed by numerous seismogenic faults which cause surface faulting, resulting in the destruction of buildings and exposing the local population to risk. Rebuilding damaged buildings in earthquake-prone areas raises ethical and economic concerns. The Mw 4.9 earthquake on 26 December 2018 damaged over 3,000 buildings in an area of 205 km² inhabited by ~140,000 people on the Etna’s eastern flank. The earthquake caused ground rupture of over ten kilometres, including some urban areas. It was thus imperative to undertake a preliminary geostructural study to identify the most vulnerable tectonic zones and upgrade targeted the buildings. The study identified the homogeneous microzones in seismic prospection, namely the Zones of Attention (ZAACF), Susceptibility (ZSACF) and Respect (ZRACF) of the faults activated during the 2018 earthquake. Buildings in the ZRACF were not allowed to be repaired because they were at serious risk of future damage. Owners were offered financial compensation to rebuild in seismically safer areas. Some people initially demonstrated reluctance to accept the proposed relocation. These issues were addressed through empathetic engagement with the affected population and through the provision of clear explanations regarding the rationale for the relocation. This case study highlights the necessity of providing comprehensive support to people, taking into account the significant psychological challenges they are facing. This approach is currently being implemented in the reconstruction of other seismic areas in Italy. It has the potential to become a common and sustainable model for the reconstruction of areas affected by natural disasters.