JOURNAL OF GEOETHICS AND SOCIAL GEOSCIENCES
type: channel
description: 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).
publisher: Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia
language: en
publication name: JOURNAL OF GEOETHICS AND SOCIAL GEOSCIENCES
issn: 3035-2835
items: Open at the interface, closed at the core: neutrality claims in AI-enabled geoscience infrastructure focusing on Africa - The case of Deep-Time Digital Earth and GeoGPT
items: Intercultural Living Labs, Cognitive Sovereignty and Geoethics: artificial intelligence in cultural landscapes
items: Geosciences in Italian and International television and film fiction: a study on dramaturgy, semiotics, and ethics of narrative models
items: Conflicts between mineral exploration and environmental conservation: an analysis of the dual role of geoscientists considering geoethics
items: The Braskem case in Maceió, Alagoas: socioenvironmental issues with historical, ethical, and philosophical implications for geoscience education and outreach
items: Geospatial data as bioethical evidence
items: Earthquake Fragments: teenagers' imaginations as a starting point for seismic risk education
items: Integrating geoethics and digital innovation for transformative geoscience education in Africa: pathways to sustainability and environmental justice
items: Geoethics as a normative foundation for geoheritage, geoconservation, and geoeducation: from geological value toward moral responsibility
items: The unseen scaffolding of science—Why review articles are the bedrock of progress?
items: Power and gaze: the human experience of volcanoes across myth, philosophy, literature, and geoethics
items: Ethical and FAIR data policies for tsunami warning systems: challenges for Northern Africa
items: Seismic risk assessment of residential buildings in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area using the OpenQuake Engine: 1939 earthquake scenario
items: Shaping geoethical geoscientists: awareness, relevance, and responsibility
items: A framework for the establishment of an interpretive center at the Lake Bosumtwi Impact Crater, Ghana: a hub for geoscience education and social geosciences
items: Learning from five pioneer women in Geosciences: a long-lasting story
items: The geoethical legacy of Zonia Baber
items: Women in Quaternary sciences in Italy
items: Travels with Lyell. Mary Horner’s “hidden” contribution to early nineteenth century geology
items: Internal and external perspective on gender equity in STEM field
items: Assessing gender distribution in Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology disciplines in Italy, with a focus on academic career progression and scientific productivity
items: State of the art on gender equality at the Geological Survey of Italy
items: 30 years of women in science in Italy through the lens of the Major Risks Commission
items: Monsters and dragons of the past: the ichthyosaur of Mary Anning
items: The role of geospatial training in empowering women for environmental decision-making polices
items: The influence of geoethics on the professional activity of the Earth sciences
items: Preface
items: Communication strategy for volcanic hazard understanding in Italy: The role of INGVvulcani team
items: 25 Years of INGV's Education and Outreach: Bridging Science and Society
items: Tsunami Ready, a public engagement tool for risk mitigation: The Italian experience

Open at the interface, closed at the core: neutrality claims in AI-enabled geoscience infrastructure focusing on Africa - The case of Deep-Time Digital Earth and GeoGPT
type: item
description: Geological data has become strategic infrastructure for resource assessment, investment negotiation, and economic sovereignty. Remotely hosted big data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms are increasingly promoted for geoscience in the Global South, particularly Africa. Whether such platforms are genuinely geopolitically unaligned, and how this can be verified, has direct implications for scientific autonomy and data sovereignty. Using Deep-time Digital Earth (DDE) and GeoGPT as a critical case, this paper examines whether claims of geopolitical non-alignment can be independently verified. DDE was suspended by its founding body, the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), in early 2025, yet its non-alignment claims have continued. Drawing on UNESCO Open Science and AI Ethics frameworks, the paper assesses three criteria: governance independence, data and software openness, and AI transparency. The analysis reveals a distinction between user-interface accessibility and core technical verifiability. Core DDE/GeoGPT software remains proprietary, and the platform and models diverge from definitions of ‘openness’ and ‘digital public goods’ established by UN-backed frameworks, and the AI Ethics Recommendations from UNESCO. The documentary record also shows governance and funding concentrated in a single national jurisdiction, including links between DDE collaboration targets and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a 2026 agreement with the mining investment department of the China-Africa Development Fund, and advisory structures that include individuals with documented affiliations to the national resource-extraction sector. Combined, their significance lies in the gap they create between the platform's claims and what can be independently verified. AI governance documentation discloses filtering of content deemed politically sensitive; in one documented instance, a response citing peer-reviewed research on state censorship was replaced by a refusal. The c…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Geoscience
  topic: keywords
subject: Geology
  topic: keywords
subject: Geodata
  topic: keywords
subject: Geospatial
  topic: keywords
subject: Africa
  topic: keywords
subject: Energy transition
  topic: keywords
subject: Critical minerals
  topic: keywords
subject: Oil and gas
  topic: keywords
subject: Artificial Intelligence
  topic: keywords
subject: Data sovereignty
  topic: keywords
subject: AI ethics
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoethics
  topic: keywords
subject: Geopolitics
  topic: keywords
subject: Cyberinfrastructure
  topic: keywords
subject: Science diplomacy
  topic: keywords
subject: geoscience
  topic: subjects
subject: geology
  topic: subjects
subject: africa
  topic: subjects
subject: energy transition
  topic: subjects
subject: artificial intelligence
  topic: subjects
subject: big data
  topic: subjects
subject: geoethics
  topic: subjects
subject: geopolitical neutrality
  topic: subjects
subject: cyberinfrastructure
  topic: subjects
subject: big science
  topic: subjects
creator: Paul H. Cleverley
creator: Ezzoura Errami
creator: Tania R. Marshall
creator: Simon Burnett
creator: Andrew Osarumwense Lator
creator: Ibeke Ebuka
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Paul H. Cleverley, Ezzoura Errami, Tania R. Marshall, Simon Burnett, Andrew O. Lator, Ibeke Ebuka https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-25
publication date: 2026-07-25
starting page: 1
ending page: 49
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-119

Intercultural Living Labs, Cognitive Sovereignty and Geoethics: artificial intelligence in cultural landscapes
type: item
description: This article examines intercultural Living Laboratories (Intercultural Living Labs) as situated devices for dialogue and co-production within the context of a long-term project working with communities in Portugal and Brazil. In these settings, the current dialogue phase with artificial intelligence, as part of the ‘Agora – Cultural Landscape Community AI Hub’ project based at the Instituto Terra e Memória and coordinated by the authors, is not taking place in a methodological vacuum or in contexts that are not mediated by technology. Rather, it builds upon well-established paths of co-creation, where Living Labs and Digital Humanities tools have long been utilised as instruments of dialogue with communities for purposes such as representation, cultural preservation, feedback, decision support, and institutional negotiation. Throughout this process, technologies have evolved, but the underlying principles have remained consistent: humanities contribution for community-based landscape management, anchored in knowledge building, ethics, participation, respect for local cultures, community empowerment and co-constructed foresight. The current phase involving AI introduces a new level of complexity, particularly in terms of scale, opacity, circulation and governance, without breaking from this normative framework. In this context, the article introduces the concept of cognitive sovereignty, which describes a collective's historical and continuously evolving capacity to sustain its own systems of memory, interpretation, classification, and future projection. This includes the incorporation, rejection, or reinterpretation of external influences. The article argues that Intercultural Living Labs do not create this sovereignty but rather make the broader processes through which communities are already reconfiguring their relationships with technologies and knowledge infrastructures more observable and negotiable. Adopting a transdisciplinary perspective, the discussion seek…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Geoethics
  topic: keywords
subject: Intercultural Living Labs
  topic: keywords
subject: Cognitive Sovereignty
  topic: keywords
subject: Artificial Intelligence in cultural landscapes
  topic: keywords
subject: Co-creation
  topic: keywords
subject: Transdisciplinarity
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoethics
  topic: subjects
subject: Communities
  topic: subjects
subject: Artificial Intelligence
  topic: subjects
subject: Living Labs
  topic: subjects
subject: Cognitive Sovereignty
  topic: subjects
subject: Landscapes
  topic: subjects
creator: Erika Marion Robrahn-González
creator: Luiz Oosterbeek
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Erika M. Robrahn-González, Luiz Oosterbeek https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 1
ending page: 46
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-118

Geosciences in Italian and International television and film fiction: a study on dramaturgy, semiotics, and ethics of narrative models
type: item
description: This study analyses the representation of the geosciences in Italian and international audiovisual fiction, investigating how films and television series contribute to shaping public perceptions of science, natural hazards, and scientific institutions from an ethical perspective. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach that integrates Media Studies, semiotics, ethics, and the sociology of science, the study examines a corpus of Italian and international productions spanning from the twentieth century to the present day. The research is intended as both a methodological and an exploratory contribution, proposing a framework for the analysis of the geosciences in audiovisual fiction and illustrating its application through selected case studies. The findings reveal a significant evolution in narrative models: from the Hollywood tradition, characterized by catastrophism and the figure of the isolated “Cassandra scientist,” to more realistic and institutionally grounded representations in recent Italian productions. Contemporary films and television series increasingly portray the geoscientist as a “competent hero,” closely connected to local communities and actively engaged in disaster risk prevention, communication, and management. The study also explores how these narratives may shape the ethics of public engagement with science, contributing to bridge the gap between the scientific community and society while redefining the cultural role of the geosciences in the Anthropocene. Through a dramaturgical and semiotic analysis of selected films and television series, the study argues that contemporary Italian narratives humanize scientists, promote a culture of prevention, and frame disasters as shared social and cultural challenges rather than as inevitable consequences of natural hazards. This work lays the foundation for future research on the role of audiovisual narratives in fostering prevention, strengthening the ethical communication of geoscientific knowledge, and…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Geosciences in the Media
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoethics
  topic: keywords
subject: Science communication
  topic: keywords
subject: Environmental storytelling
  topic: keywords
subject: Disaster and climate fiction
  topic: keywords
subject: Public engagement with science
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoscience
  topic: subjects
subject: Geoethics
  topic: subjects
subject: Science communication
  topic: subjects
subject: Storytelling
  topic: subjects
subject: Disaster fiction
  topic: subjects
subject: Climate fiction
  topic: subjects
subject: Public engagement
  topic: subjects
subject: Science
  topic: subjects
subject: Environment
  topic: subjects
creator: Maria Chiara Piazza
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Maria Chiara Piazza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-27
publication date: 2026-07-27
starting page: 1
ending page: 33
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-120

Conflicts between mineral exploration and environmental conservation: an analysis of the dual role of geoscientists considering geoethics
type: item
description: Historically, mineral exploration, prospecting, and extraction have been subjects of debate, with positions ranging from endorsement to criticism. In Brazil, these activities date back to the colonial period and intensified particularly from the 1940s onward, driven by the commercial exploitation of mineral resources and petroleum. In the early 21st century, technological advances expanded extraction and increased the demand for new port terminals in response to the intensification of international trade and changes in global logistics. This context has generated conflicts between the production and transportation of mineral resources and environmental conservation. In recent decades, geoscientists have emphasized that the impact of human activities on Earth already exceeds that of natural forces. In this scenario, the article analyses the tension between mineral extraction and conservation, highlighting the dual role of geoscientists in light of geoethics. To this end, two case studies are examined: mining in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, focusing on Serra do Curral in Minas Gerais State, and the debate over the construction of a port terminal in Ponta Negra, Rio de Janeiro State. These cases highlight the need for a geoethical approach, throughout the entire production chain, including legal aspects and intergenerational rights.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Geoethics
  topic: keywords
subject: Geosciences
  topic: keywords
subject: Environmental conservation
  topic: keywords
subject: Mining
  topic: keywords
subject: Oil exploitation
  topic: keywords
subject: Global logistics
  topic: keywords
subject: Intergenerational justice
  topic: keywords
subject: Geosciences
  topic: subjects
subject: Dual role of geoscientists
  topic: subjects
subject: Geoethics
  topic: subjects
creator: Fábio da Silva Lima
creator: Maria do Carmo Oliveira Jorge
creator: Manoel do Couto Fernandes
creator: Antônio José Teixeira Guerra
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Fábio da Silva Lima, Maria do Carmo Oliveira Jorge, Manoel do Couto Fernandes, Antônio José Teixeira Guerra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-17
publication date: 2026-07-17
starting page: 1
ending page: 29
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-117

The Braskem case in Maceió, Alagoas: socioenvironmental issues with historical, ethical, and philosophical implications for geoscience education and outreach
type: item
description: Braskem is one of the world’s largest petrochemical corporations and among Brazil’s most profitable companies, operating for decades in the city of Maceió, state of Alagoas, in northeastern Brazil. Beginning in the 1970s, Braskem conducted halite mining in Maceió, which culminated in 2018 in one of the most severe socioenvironmental crises in recent history: ground subsidence across five neighborhoods within a 3.6 km2 area, directly affecting approximately 60,000 people. Since then, specialized literature has produced a range of analyses of the event and its socioeconomic consequences; however, none have focused on the historical, geoethical, and philosophical implications for geoscience education and science communication. Drawing on primary Brazilian sources, most notably the Parliamentary Inquiry Commission’s final report on Braskem and video recordings of its hearings, we (i) develop theoretical discussions concerning the role of the geosciences in the world informed by decolonial conceptions of science, and (ii) offer practical recommendations for curricula and science–art pedagogies that cultivate a more critical geoscience, attentive to our deep interrelations with planet Earth. From a history‑and‑philosophy‑of‑science perspective, the Braskem case in Maceió enables reflection on conceptions of history, nature, and the philosophy of science, and — through case study analysis — expands dialogue about how sciences, particularly the geosciences, are defined and operate in ways that can both mitigate and exacerbate socioenvironmental and socioeconomic inequalities. Between theory and practice, we also reflect on the subjective responsibilities of geoscientists, science communicators, and institutions in confronting the destructive logics of scientific and technological development entangled with death politics, colonialism, and capitalist patriarchy, with historical, ethical/geoethical, and philosophical implications for the geosciences at global scale.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Geosciences
  topic: keywords
subject: Science education
  topic: keywords
subject: Science communication
  topic: keywords
subject: Braskem
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoethics
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoethics
  topic: subjects
subject: Geosciences education
  topic: subjects
subject: Science communication
  topic: subjects
subject: Geosciences
  topic: subjects
creator: Alan Alves-Brito
creator: Eduardo Rocha-Júnior
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Alan Alves-Brito, Eduardo Reis Viana Rocha-Júnior https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-03
publication date: 2026-07-03
starting page: 1
ending page: 30
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-115

Geospatial data as bioethical evidence
type: item
description: Satellite imagery now documents systematic patterns of infrastructure destruction at spatial resolutions and temporal cadences that were unavailable during the atrocities of the twentieth century. Whether and how such data may enter bioethical deliberation, however, remains under-theorized. Quantitative remote sensing produces damage percentages, not normative claims, and bridging the two without committing an is-ought fallacy requires an explicit epistemological procedure. The contribution developed here is normative and epistemological rather than empirical. A six-component admissibility framework integrates, for the first time, geospatial evidence, population-level bioethical principlism, and the coherentist verification epistemology of political fact-checking into a single reproducible procedure for the bioethical use of satellite imagery. The first component specifies evidence admissibility criteria tailored to bioethical rather than strictly legal use. The second requires coherentist triangulation across methodologically independent remote sensing studies. The third operates as a bioethical relevance filter mapping infrastructure categories onto population-level social determinants of health. The fourth operationalizes principlism by translating health justice, accountability, solidarity, and sustainability into measurable geospatial observables. The fifth establishes ethical representation safeguards against voyeuristic or dehumanizing uses of destruction imagery. The sixth demands explicit epistemic humility regarding uncertainty, data missingness, and attribution limits. The Gaza conflict provides the case in point. Two independently produced geospatial studies, one based on SAR coherent change detection and one on very-high-resolution optical analysis, converge on extensive damage to civilian healthcare, water, sanitation, and educational infrastructure, and thereby satisfy the coherentist triangulation requirement of the framework. The resulting inference…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Satellite imagery
  topic: keywords
subject: Bioethics
  topic: keywords
subject: Systematic patterns
  topic: keywords
subject: Fact-checking
  topic: keywords
subject: Reproducibility
  topic: keywords
subject: Data ethics
  topic: keywords
subject: Humanitarian crisis
  topic: keywords
subject: Gaza
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoethics
  topic: subjects
subject: Satellite imagery
  topic: subjects
subject: Bioethics
  topic: subjects
subject: Systematic patterns
  topic: subjects
subject: Fact-checking
  topic: subjects
subject: Reproducibility
  topic: subjects
subject: Data ethics
  topic: subjects
subject: Humanitarian crisis
  topic: subjects
subject: Gaza
  topic: subjects
creator: Aníbal M. Astobiza
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Aníbal M. Astobiza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-05-12
publication date: 2026-05-12
starting page: 1
ending page: 28
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-111

Earthquake Fragments: teenagers' imaginations as a starting point for seismic risk education
type: item
description: From 2021 to 2023, the “A Scuola di Terremoto” (At the School of Earthquake) project, promoted by the Civil Protection Department of Calabria Region in collaboration with the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV, National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology), worked with schools throughout Calabria (southern Italy) to foster a culture of risk reduction, with particular emphasis on seismic risk. Through workshop activities and training programmes for students and teachers, the project explored teenagers’ mental representations of earthquakes. Over the course of two school years, 246 stories were collected - narrated by students through drawings and written accounts - from which isolated protagonists emerged, who rarely turn to the community or institutions for support. To develop the capacity to understand and confront risk, to recognise and manage the emotions it evokes, and to facilitate effective responses to emergency situations, the project advocates a constructivist educational approach aimed at strengthening territorial awareness, coping skills, and collective resilience. The proposed activities seek to transform emergencies from overwhelming experiences into manageable challenges, fostering more realistic and positive internal dialogues. “A Scuola di Terremoto” project represents an innovative model of civic education and prevention, which recognises the critical role of mental representations in building communities that are better prepared and more cohesive in the face of risk.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Seismic risk
  topic: keywords
subject: Emergency education
  topic: keywords
subject: Mental representations
  topic: keywords
subject: Collective resilience
  topic: keywords
subject: Coping
  topic: keywords
subject: Seismic risk
  topic: subjects
subject: Emergency education
  topic: subjects
subject: Mental representations
  topic: subjects
subject: Collective resilience
  topic: subjects
subject: Coping
  topic: subjects
creator: Annachiara Giambattista
creator: Flaminia Brasini
creator: Vera Pessina
creator: Emanuela Ercolani
creator: Romano Camassi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Annachiara Giambattista, Flaminia Brasini, Vera Pessina, Emanuela Ercolani, Romano Camassi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-01
publication date: 2026-07-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 22
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-114

Integrating geoethics and digital innovation for transformative geoscience education in Africa: pathways to sustainability and environmental justice
type: item
description: Africa is endowed with critical minerals essential for technological advancement and therefore needs skilled geoscientists to address multiple challenges related to resource management, natural hazards, water management, environmental justice, climate change, and training systems. Unfortunately, Geoscience education in Africa is faced with inadequate infrastructure, limited access to modern analytical tools, and unstandardized curricula that are not in line with global standards. These structural gaps are obstacles to the development of a new generation of geoscientists capable of responding to these concerns. This review paper employed a systematic narrative approach, synthesizing peer-reviewed literature, policy documents, and regional reports published between 2000 and 2025, using keywords like 'geoscience education Africa' and 'AI geoethics', applying inclusion criteria for Africa-focused/analogous studies (n=~312 retrieved, 120 screened by abstract/full-text, 87 retained post-quality appraisal via relevance/impact scoring; solo review with reflexivity for validity). Sources were retrieved from major databases (Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Google Scholar) and supplemented with African regional journals, government white papers, and NGO reports to ensure contextual relevance. Findings highlight three key areas: (i) existing gaps in the quality of geoscience education, inclusivity, and embracing technological advancement; (ii) new emerging opportunities in ICT technologies, virtual fieldwork, and AI-assisted learning models that are already being deployed worldwide and could be adapted for African contexts; and (iii) the potential to integrate geoethics digitally enhanced curricula to produce geoscientists that are ethically conscious and embrace technology. The study concludes that integrating geoethics and digital innovation is necessary for developing ethically grounded and technologically competent geoscientists capable of addressing Af…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Geoethics and Social Geosciences in Africa: Challenges, Practices, and Perspectives
  topic: category
subject: Geoethics
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoscience education
  topic: keywords
subject: Digital innovation
  topic: keywords
subject: Sustainability
  topic: keywords
subject: Environmental justice
  topic: keywords
subject: Africa
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoethics
  topic: subjects
subject: Geoscience education
  topic: subjects
subject: Digital innovation
  topic: subjects
subject: Sustainability
  topic: subjects
subject: Environmental justice
  topic: subjects
subject: Africa
  topic: subjects
creator: Uriah Alexander Lar
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Uriah Alexander Lar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-05-11
publication date: 2026-05-11
starting page: 1
ending page: 31
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-99

Geoethics as a normative foundation for geoheritage, geoconservation, and geoeducation: from geological value toward moral responsibility
type: item
description: Geoethics provides the normative foundation for moving beyond valuation alone, reframing geoheritage as a moral reference point that grounds obligations of care, responsibility, and justice in human‑Earth relations. While prevailing approaches emphasize the intrinsic, instrumental, aesthetic, scientific, or cultural value of geological features, value‑based rationales by themselves do not fully explain why societies ought to care in the Anthropocene or how responsibilities emerge from human‑Earth interactions. Grounded in contemporary geoethical theory, we propose an integrative framework that links geoscientific knowledge, ethical reasoning, and socio‑cultural values, and that positions geoconservation and geoeducation as complementary ethical practices enacted within UNESCO Global Geoparks, other protected or designated socio‑ecological contexts, and everyday landscapes beyond them. In this framing, geoconservation is reconceptualized as stewardship guided by equity (including intergenerational and interregional justice), precaution, and participatory governance. Geoeducation is articulated as a practice that, at its best, couples technical learning with ethical reflection, cultivating sense of place, moral sensibility, and agency through experiential, place‑based, and community‑engaged approaches. The framework is explicitly dynamic, emphasizing feedback loops through which learning supports conservation and conservation practice becomes a locus for learning and deliberation about competing values and trade‑offs. The paper concludes with implications for policy and governance and outlines empirical pathways for examining geoethical awareness across geocultural contexts, including within geopark networks and broader geoconservation initiatives.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Geoethics
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoheritage
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoconservation
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoeducation
  topic: keywords
subject: Geodiversity
  topic: keywords
subject: Anthropocene
  topic: keywords
subject: UNESCO Global Geopark
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoethics
  topic: subjects
subject: Geoheritage
  topic: subjects
subject: Geoconservation
  topic: subjects
subject: Geoeducation
  topic: subjects
subject: Geodiversity
  topic: subjects
subject: Anthropocene
  topic: subjects
subject: UNESCO Global Geoparks
  topic: subjects
creator: Alexandros Aristotelis Koupatsiaris
creator: Hara Drinia
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Alexandros Aristotelis Koupatsiaris, Hara Drinia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-03-09
publication date: 2026-03-09
starting page: 1
ending page: 34
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-106

The unseen scaffolding of science—Why review articles are the bedrock of progress?
type: item
description: Scientific review articles are often overlooked as simple summaries. This view redefines them as essential frameworks for progress, the necessary structures that turn scattered data and findings into shared knowledge. By combining information, encouraging open discussion, and providing guidance for future research, a well-crafted review does not just depict a field; it actively influences and guides its direction.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Review articles
  topic: keywords
subject: Knowledge
  topic: keywords
subject: Review articles
  topic: subjects
subject: Knowledge
  topic: subjects
subject: Publication ethics
  topic: subjects
subject: Research integrity
  topic: subjects
creator: Bhaskar Kundu
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Bhaskar Kundu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-03-09
publication date: 2026-03-09
starting page: 1
ending page: 7
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-110

Power and gaze: the human experience of volcanoes across myth, philosophy, literature, and geoethics
type: item
description: Volcanoes assert themselves as true anthropological and cultural topoi, symbols of nature’s power and, at the same time, mirrors of human fragility and aspiration. The awe with which humans have long approached their force has generated mythological, literary, philosophical, and scientific experiences and practices of great fascination and marked cultural interest, revealing how fear and wonder can become drivers of knowledge and responsibility. In this contribution, an attempt will be made to offer an exemplary synthesis of some of these anthropological practices, ranging from myth and its role in the development of scientific thought, to literature and philosophy, with particular attention to the concept of the sublime and to the function of wonder/tháuma as both a cognitive and emotional experience. From this perspective, volcanoes are not only objects of study or threats to be managed, but also instruments of geoethical reflection, as they invite recognition of our belonging to nature, our finitude, and the need to establish relationships with the environment based on respect, care, and shared responsibility. Wonder, far from being a mere irrational feeling, thus becomes a driver of prudent behaviour, social awareness, and sustainable practices, integrating scientific knowledge and cultural sensitivity in coexistence with natural forces.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Volcanoes
  topic: keywords
subject: Myth
  topic: keywords
subject: Awe
  topic: keywords
subject: Power
  topic: keywords
subject: Anthropological postures
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoethics
  topic: keywords
subject: Volcanoes
  topic: subjects
subject: Myth
  topic: subjects
subject: Anthropological postures
  topic: subjects
subject: Geoethics
  topic: subjects
subject: Philosophy
  topic: subjects
subject: Literature
  topic: subjects
creator: Fabio Gabrielli
creator: Sonia Topazio
creator: Silvia Peppoloni
creator: Guido Giordano
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Fabio Gabrielli, Sonia Topazio, Silvia Peppoloni, Guido Giordano https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-03-09
publication date: 2026-03-09
starting page: 1
ending page: 37
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-108

Ethical and FAIR data policies for tsunami warning systems: challenges for Northern Africa
type: item
description: This article focusses on community-driven data, ethical open data sharing policies for tsunami preparedness, risk reduction and real-time crisis management. Accurate real-time earthquake monitoring is crucial for decision-making when events might potentially trigger tsunami waves for both near- and far-field case studies. The efficiency of tsunami warning systems is undoubtedly interconnected with the application of the FAIR principles in Geosciences. The research examined case studies in the Pacific (Chile) and in the Atlantic (French Atlantic Coast) which showed the importance of improving computations of real-time automatic seismic solutions with short-band low-cost seismic stations from the Raspberry Shake Community. Preliminary tests of urban noise in Algiers (Algeria, North Africa) using a three-component raspberry shake station are also included in this study. An attempt to explore how data management policies could meet the FAIR principles in Western Mediterranean for Northern Africa is proposed using a multidisciplinary analysis (socio-ethical geosciences) as an outcome of this study. The results highlight the possibilities of harnessing community-based earthquake detection network and FAIR principles in data management to improve tsunami early warning systems and international cooperation in the sciences for disaster resilience.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Geoethics and Social Geosciences in Africa: Challenges, Practices, and Perspectives
  topic: category
subject: Tsunami Warning Systems
  topic: keywords
subject: Western Mediterranean
  topic: keywords
subject: North Africa
  topic: keywords
subject: Real-time earthquake monitoring
  topic: keywords
subject: Ethical data policy
  topic: keywords
subject: Community-driven data
  topic: keywords
subject: Citizen science
  topic: keywords
subject: FAIR principles
  topic: keywords
subject: Disaster Risk Reduction
  topic: keywords
subject: geoethics
  topic: subjects
subject: Tsunami risk
  topic: subjects
subject: Ethics in sharing research data
  topic: subjects
subject: Early warning system
  topic: subjects
subject: Citizen science
  topic: subjects
creator: Lübna A. Amir
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Lübna A. Amir https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-31
publication date: 2026-07-31
starting page: 1
ending page: 31
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-105

Seismic risk assessment of residential buildings in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area using the OpenQuake Engine: 1939 earthquake scenario
type: item
description: Ghana faces a range of natural hazards, but one of the most significant and under-prioritised is seismic risk, particularly in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA), a densely populated urban centre exposed to a substantial yet underappreciated earthquake threat. This study assesses the seismic risk of GAMA’s residential building stock to quantify the potential societal consequences of a major earthquake. Using the open-source OpenQuake Engine, an exposure model of residential buildings, classified by construction material and construction period, was integrated with deterministic seismic hazard scenarios based on the destructive 1939 Accra earthquake. Communities in coastal and western GAMA, characterised by soft soils that amplify ground shaking and a high concentration of vulnerable unreinforced masonry buildings, are identified as the most at risk. The analysis indicates that the current Ghana Building Code, when compared with ground-motion predictions from the Atkinson and Boore (2006, modified 2011; AB11) model, may significantly underestimate seismic input in these vulnerable areas, potentially leaving communities exposed to higher levels of risk. In contrast, the Pezeshk et al. (2011; PE11) ground-motion model produces estimates that are broadly consistent with the Ghana Building Code. The results translate into tangible societal impacts: widespread building damage and collapse in high-risk neighbourhoods could result in mass casualties, large-scale displacement, and long-term socioeconomic disruption. This research provides a robust evidence base for decision-makers, underscoring the urgent need for targeted risk-reduction strategies. We conclude that enhancing Accra’s earthquake resilience requires strengthened enforcement of building codes and the implementation of targeted retrofitting programmes in the most vulnerable communities to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Geoethics and Social Geosciences in Africa: Challenges, Practices, and Perspectives
  topic: category
subject: Seismic risk assessment
  topic: keywords
subject: Greater Accra Metropolitan Area
  topic: keywords
subject: Earthquakes
  topic: keywords
subject: OpenQuake Engine
  topic: keywords
subject: Ghana Building Code
  topic: keywords
subject: Ground motion prediction equation
  topic: keywords
subject: risk modeling
  topic: subjects
subject: seismic hazard analysis
  topic: subjects
subject: seismology
  topic: subjects
subject: ghana building code
  topic: subjects
subject: earthquakes
  topic: subjects
subject: OpenQuake Engine
  topic: subjects
subject: Groundmotion Prediction Equation
  topic: subjects
creator: Victoria Atayi
creator: Bruce Banoeng-Yakubo
creator: Paulina Ekua Amponsah
creator: Daniel Kwayisi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Victoria Atayi, Bruce Banoeng-Yakubo, Paulina Ekua Amponsah, Daniel Kwayisi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-27
publication date: 2026-07-27
starting page: 1
ending page: 26
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-103

Shaping geoethical geoscientists: awareness, relevance, and responsibility
type: item
description: Geoethics is an essential yet underdeveloped component of geoscience education in regions experiencing significant environmental and social impacts from resource extraction. Grounded in relational ethics, we investigate the extent to which students recognize the ethical, societal, and environmental dimensions of geoscience practice. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, we surveyed 193 undergraduate and graduate students across Ghanaian higher education institutions and conducted follow-up interviews with 11 students to interpret patterns of awareness, relevance, and responsibility. Findings indicate low but emerging awareness of geoethics, with over 54% of students intuitively engaging with ethical ideas despite limited formal instruction. More than 62% primarily conceptualized geoethics as a code of conduct, and 58.5% as moral principles. Interview data showed that students associated geoethics mainly with truthfulness, integrity, respect, and accountability, while also recognizing its relevance to decision-making, professional behavior, and environmental stewardship. Approximately 88% of students reported geoethics as relevant to geoscience research and practice, and 88.6% viewed it as relevant to academic work. Students strongly affirmed responsibility toward themselves, colleagues, society, and the natural environment, although their interpretations often emphasized rule-based compliance and reputation management rather than relational engagement with affected communities. In addition, more than 45% of students reported limited departmental support and insufficient curricular integration of geoethics, leaving them underprepared for real-world ethical dilemmas. The study offers an empirical foundation for developing culturally relevant geoethics curricula that promote ethically grounded and socially responsive geoscience practice. The findings underscore the need to embed geoethics within coursework, field experiences, and research mentorship to c…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Geoethics and Social Geosciences in Africa: Challenges, Practices, and Perspectives
  topic: category
subject: Geoethics
  topic: keywords
subject: Higher Education
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoethical awareness
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoethical responsibility
  topic: keywords
subject: Relational ethics
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoethics
  topic: subjects
subject: Geoscience Education
  topic: subjects
subject: Mixed Methods
  topic: subjects
subject: Higher Education
  topic: subjects
creator: Samuel Cornelius Nyarko
creator: Yvonne Sena Akosua Loh
creator: Maame Opokua Debrah
creator: Gwyneth Gebhart
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Samuel Cornelius Nyarko, Yvonne Sena Akosua Loh, Maame Opokua Debrah, Gwyneth Gebhart https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-03-03
publication date: 2026-03-03
starting page: 1
ending page: 39
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-96

A framework for the establishment of an interpretive center at the Lake Bosumtwi Impact Crater, Ghana: a hub for geoscience education and social geosciences
type: item
description: 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.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Geoethics and Social Geosciences in Africa: Challenges, Practices, and Perspectives
  topic: category
subject: Geoethics
  topic: keywords
subject: Social geosciences
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoscience education
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoheritage
  topic: keywords
subject: Lake Bosumtwi Impact Crater
  topic: keywords
subject: geoeducation
  topic: subjects
subject: geoheritage
  topic: subjects
subject: impact crater
  topic: subjects
subject: Ghana
  topic: subjects
subject: geoethics
  topic: subjects
subject: social geosciences
  topic: subjects
creator: Marian Selorm Sapah
creator: Yvonne Sena Akosua Loh
creator: Cyril Dziedzorm Boateng
creator: Daniel Kwadwo Asiedu
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Marian Selorm Sapah, Yvonne Sena Akosua Loh, Cyril Dziedzorm Boateng, Daniel Kwadwo Asiedu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-01-29
publication date: 2026-01-29
starting page: 1
ending page: 31
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-95

Learning from five pioneer women in Geosciences: a long-lasting story
type: item
description: 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.
subject: Special
  topic: section
subject: Women in Geosciences
  topic: category
subject: Pioneer
  topic: keywords
subject: Women
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoscientists
  topic: keywords
subject: Gender bias
  topic: keywords
subject: Pioneer
  topic: subjects
subject: Women in Geosciences
  topic: subjects
subject: gender equality
  topic: subjects
creator: Rosa Anna Fregola
creator: Patrizia Maiorano
creator: Francesca Micheletti
creator: Luisa Sabato
creator: Martina Zucchi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Rosa Anna Fregola, Patrizia Maiorano, Francesca Micheletti, Luisa Sabato, Martina Zucchi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-10-27
publication date: 2025-10-27
starting page: 1
ending page: 28
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-90

The geoethical legacy of Zonia Baber
type: item
description: 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.
subject: Special
  topic: section
subject: Women in Geosciences
  topic: category
subject: Geoethics
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoscience and activism
  topic: keywords
subject: Women in geosciences
  topic: keywords
subject: Historical gender bias
  topic: keywords
subject: History of geosciences
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoethics
  topic: subjects
subject: Women in geosciences
  topic: subjects
creator: Annachiara Rosati
creator: Luisa Sabato
creator: Marcello Tropeano
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Annachiara Rosati, Luisa Sabato, Marcello Tropeano https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-09-25
publication date: 2025-09-25
starting page: 1
ending page: 20
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-89

Women in Quaternary sciences in Italy
type: item
description: 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.
subject: Special
  topic: section
subject: Women in Geosciences
  topic: category
subject: Gender equity
  topic: keywords
subject: Quaternary Sciences
  topic: keywords
subject: Women in science
  topic: keywords
subject: AIQUA
  topic: keywords
subject: Women in Quaternary sciences
  topic: subjects
creator: Ilaria Mazzini
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Ilaria Mazzini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-09-29
publication date: 2025-09-29
starting page: 1
ending page: 16
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-88

Travels with Lyell. Mary Horner’s “hidden” contribution to early nineteenth century geology
type: item
description: 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.
subject: Special
  topic: section
subject: Women in Geosciences
  topic: category
subject: Mary Elisabeth Horner, Women in Geosciences, Conchology, Scientific Correspondence
  topic: keywords
subject: History of science (geology and palaeontology), Mary Elizabeth Horner Lyell
  topic: subjects
creator: Antonia Cofano
creator: Rossella De Ceglie
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Antonia Cofano, Rossella De Ceglie https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-08-22
publication date: 2025-08-22
starting page: 1
ending page: 20
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-87

Internal and external perspective on gender equity in STEM field
type: item
description: 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.
subject: Special
  topic: section
subject: Women in Geosciences
  topic: category
subject: STEM
  topic: keywords
subject: Gender equity
  topic: keywords
subject: Artificial Intelligence
  topic: keywords
subject: Gender balance
  topic: keywords
subject: Academic and Non-Academic life
  topic: keywords
subject: STEM
  topic: subjects
subject: Gender equity
  topic: subjects
subject: Artificial Intelligence
  topic: subjects
subject: Gender balance
  topic: subjects
subject: Academic and Non-Academic life
  topic: subjects
creator: Alessia Amelio
creator: Serena Doria
creator: Stefano Pagliaro
creator: Monica Pondrelli
creator: Bianca Ranieri
creator: Giovanna Vessia
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Alessia Amelio, Serena Doria, Stefano Pagliaro, Monica Pondrelli, Bianca Ranieri, Giovanna Vessia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-01-30
publication date: 2026-01-30
starting page: 1
ending page: 21
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-86

Assessing gender distribution in Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology disciplines in Italy, with a focus on academic career progression and scientific productivity
type: item
description: 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.
subject: Special
  topic: section
subject: Women in Geosciences
  topic: category
subject: Gender inequality
  topic: keywords
subject: Academic career
  topic: keywords
subject: Bibliometric indicators
  topic: keywords
subject: Engineering Geology
  topic: keywords
subject: Hydrogeology
  topic: keywords
subject: Women in Geosciences
  topic: subjects
subject: Engineering Geology
  topic: subjects
subject: Hydrogeology
  topic: subjects
subject: gender inequality
  topic: subjects
subject: academic career
  topic: subjects
creator: Emma Petrella
creator: Elena Del Gaudio
creator: Rita Tufano
creator: Monica Papini
creator: Daniela Ducci
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Emma Petrella, Elena Del Gaudio, Rita Tufano, Monica Papini, Daniela Ducci https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-09-26
publication date: 2025-09-26
starting page: 1
ending page: 18
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-80

State of the art on gender equality at the Geological Survey of Italy
type: item
description: 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.
subject: Special
  topic: section
subject: Women in Geosciences
  topic: category
subject: Women geologists
  topic: keywords
subject: Geological field survey
  topic: keywords
subject: Segregation
  topic: keywords
subject: Private workload
  topic: keywords
subject: Gender equality
  topic: keywords
subject: Women geologists
  topic: subjects
subject: Geological field survey
  topic: subjects
subject: Segregation
  topic: subjects
subject: Private workload
  topic: subjects
subject: Gender equality
  topic: subjects
creator: Giuditta Radeff
creator: Adele Garzarella
creator: Maria Teresa Lettieri
creator: Chiara D'Ambrogi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Giuditta Radeff, Adele Garzarella, Maria Teresa Lettieri, Chiara D'Ambrogi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-09-19
publication date: 2025-09-19
starting page: 1
ending page: 31
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-82

30 years of women in science in Italy through the lens of the Major Risks Commission
type: item
description: 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.
subject: Special
  topic: section
subject: Women in Geosciences
  topic: category
subject: Gender balance
  topic: keywords
subject: STEM careers
  topic: keywords
subject: Disaster Risk Science
  topic: keywords
subject: Civil Protection
  topic: keywords
subject: gender balance within the scientific community that works on disaster risk
  topic: subjects
subject: National Commission for the forecasting and prevention of the Major Risks
  topic: subjects
subject: Italian Civil Protection Department
  topic: subjects
creator: Daniela Di Bucci
creator: Cecilia Franceschetti
creator: Immacolata Postiglione
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Daniela Di Bucci, Dr. Cecilia Franceschetti, Dr. Titti Postiglione https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-08-22
publication date: 2025-08-22
starting page: 1
ending page: 15
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-84

Monsters and dragons of the past: the ichthyosaur of Mary Anning
type: item
description: 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.
subject: Special
  topic: section
subject: Women in Geosciences
  topic: category
subject: Women in geosciences
  topic: keywords
subject: History of palaeontology
  topic: keywords
subject: Ichthyosaurus
  topic: keywords
subject: Fossils
  topic: keywords
subject: Paleontology
  topic: subjects
subject: Women in Geosciences
  topic: subjects
subject: Women history
  topic: subjects
subject: Female geologists
  topic: subjects
creator: Antonia Cofano
creator: Rossella De Ceglie
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Antonia Cofano, Rossella De Ceglie https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-08-22
publication date: 2025-08-22
starting page: 1
ending page: 25
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-83

The role of geospatial training in empowering women for environmental decision-making polices
type: item
description: 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.
subject: Special
  topic: section
subject: Women in Geosciences
  topic: category
subject: Gender equality
  topic: keywords
subject: Geospatial training
  topic: keywords
subject: Remote Sensing
  topic: keywords
subject: GIS
  topic: keywords
subject: Sustainable Development Goals
  topic: keywords
subject: Gender equality
  topic: subjects
subject: Geospatial training
  topic: subjects
subject: Remote Sensing
  topic: subjects
subject: GIS
  topic: subjects
subject: Sustainable Development Goals
  topic: subjects
creator: Aasiya Qadir
creator: Muhammad Usman
creator: Andrea Artoni
creator: Nicolò Chizzini
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Aasiya Qadir, Muhammad Usman, Andrea Artoni, Nicolo' Chizzini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-12-23
publication date: 2025-12-23
starting page: 1
ending page: 23
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-85

The influence of geoethics on the professional activity of the Earth sciences
type: item
description: 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.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Geoethics
  topic: keywords
subject: Earth sciences
  topic: keywords
subject: Extractive industries
  topic: keywords
subject: Curriculum design
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoethics
  topic: subjects
subject: Earth sciences
  topic: subjects
subject: Extractive industries
  topic: subjects
subject: Curriculum design
  topic: subjects
creator: Roberto Lencina
creator: María Nieves Solsona
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Roberto Lencina, María Nieves Solsona https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-08-01
publication date: 2025-08-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 46
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-75

Preface
type: item
description: 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".
subject: Special
  topic: section
subject: 25 Years of Advancing Geoethics and Social Geosciences at INGV
  topic: category
subject: Geoethics
  topic: keywords
subject: Social Geosciences
  topic: keywords
subject: INGV
  topic: keywords
subject: Anniversary
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoethics
  topic: subjects
subject: Social geosciences
  topic: subjects
subject: INGV
  topic: subjects
subject: Anniversary
  topic: subjects
creator: Silvia Peppoloni
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 JOURNAL OF GEOETHICS AND SOCIAL GEOSCIENCES https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-03-06
publication date: 2025-03-06
starting page: 9
ending page: 10
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-70

Communication strategy for volcanic hazard understanding in Italy: The role of INGVvulcani team
type: item
description: 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 communic…
subject: Special
  topic: section
subject: 25 Years of Advancing Geoethics and Social Geosciences at INGV
  topic: category
subject: Volcanic hazard
  topic: keywords
subject: INGVvulcani
  topic: keywords
subject: Communication strategies
  topic: keywords
subject: Social media
  topic: keywords
subject: Public engagement
  topic: keywords
subject: science communication
  topic: subjects
subject: social media
  topic: subjects
creator: Maddalena De Lucia
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 JOURNAL OF GEOETHICS AND SOCIAL GEOSCIENCES https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-03-06
publication date: 2025-03-06
starting page: 1
ending page: 18
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-59

25 Years of INGV's Education and Outreach: Bridging Science and Society
type: item
description: 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.
subject: Special
  topic: section
subject: 25 Years of Advancing Geoethics and Social Geosciences at INGV
  topic: category
subject: Geoscience dissemination
  topic: keywords
subject: Outreach activity
  topic: keywords
subject: Educational projects
  topic: keywords
subject: Children’s drawings
  topic: keywords
subject: Impact evaluation
  topic: keywords
subject: Geoscience dissemination
  topic: subjects
subject: Outreach activity
  topic: subjects
subject: Educational projects
  topic: subjects
subject: Children's drawings
  topic: subjects
subject: Impact evaluation
  topic: subjects
creator: Giuliana D'Addezio
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 JOURNAL OF GEOETHICS AND SOCIAL GEOSCIENCES https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-01-27
publication date: 2025-01-27
starting page: 1
ending page: 18
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-66

Tsunami Ready, a public engagement tool for risk mitigation: The Italian experience
type: item
description: 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.
subject: Special
  topic: section
subject: 25 Years of Advancing Geoethics and Social Geosciences at INGV
  topic: category
subject: Tsunami risk
  topic: keywords
subject: Risk perception
  topic: keywords
subject: Tsunami ready
  topic: keywords
subject: People-centred early warning
  topic: keywords
subject: Safe ocean
  topic: keywords
subject: Tsunami risk
  topic: subjects
subject: Risk perception
  topic: subjects
subject: Tsunami ready
  topic: subjects
subject: People-centred early warning
  topic: subjects
subject: Safe ocean
  topic: subjects
creator: Alessandro Amato
creator: Lorenzo Cugliari
creator: Silvia Filosa
creator: Laura Graziani
creator: Fabrizio Romano
creator: Cecilia Valbonesi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 JOURNAL OF GEOETHICS AND SOCIAL GEOSCIENCES https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-03-03
publication date: 2025-03-03
starting page: 1
ending page: 28
doi: 10.4401/jgsg-67