Videos for triggering a discussion on geoethics
These videos have been designed for different target groups and can encourage the discussion on geoethical aspects of geoscience communication and education.
The language and the images used, the simple explanations, the particular approach that often starts from simple common experiences taken from daily life, aim to bring citizens and society closer to geosciences. They help to demonstrate the potential of geosciences to improve the conditions of human life, to protect the population from hazards, and to push towards more sustainable choices. However, they are not limited to disciplinary knowledge, but show that geoscientific knowledge is often closely interlinked with socio-political, cultural, ecological, and economic questions.
Here below videos available in the new page (Texts provided for each video by Johanna Ickert, Silvia Peppoloni, and Henry Wichura):
The whispering of a mountain (3:28) by Louis Desanois
In this film, a young mineralogist contemplates his field work experiences in an Argentinean mine, where he witnesses several conflicts of interest about the mine's impact on the environment, employment opportunities, land rights, ethical questions etc. Through a personal commentary and deliberately open-ended questions, he critically examines his own role and responsibility as researcher who studies the land and its resources.
The man and the meandering river (4:03) by Marisa Repasch
A practical case explained to the public sector: what is the direct impact in real time on the environment as a result of climate change and how do river-dynamics change the landscape and land properties. Through the eyes of an affected farmer in Argentina, the author highlights the dynamics and complexities of river erosion with respect to landscape evolution.
Rock glacier (2:33) by Julia Drewes
A short and concise video on how climate change influences the dynamics of a rock glacier and what repercussions it has on the freshwater availabilities for the communities that live nearby or in the valleys downstream. In the light of climate change, the raising of awareness in the public sector about this essential resource is crucial: water.
Listening to Earthquakes (2:27) by Martin Zeckra
This video explains the concept and models of a shaking surface, also known as earthquakes, in a very easy-to-grasp language. It answers questions such as: Where do they come? How can we detect them? And how do they sound like?
Wonderful Earth (1:44) by Ahmad Arnous
The Earth is a marvellous planet, full of beauty, spectacular landscapes, but also danger and vulnerabilities. This video shows the phenomena of the Earth surface and its interior and mirrors the deep fascination and curiosity of a young geoscientist being involved in the systematics of Earth processes.
The real villain (1:26) by Gino de Gelder
Greece and Turkey have always been strangely in conflict for historical reasons. But let's take a look at the geology that characterises both their areas: who is the real villain? A common geological destiny unites them.
Why geosciences? (1:25) by Ershad Gholamrezaie
Do geologists only understand dinosaurs and rocks? No, geologists, with their skills and knowledge, are fully involved in exploring the most important global challenges: climate change, natural hazards (like floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, storms), oil exploration, mining, and sustainability. Geosciences serve to understand how the Earth works: that's why they are necessary. This is a video to overcome clichés and prejudices about geologists and geology and to bring the public closer to geosciences.
What would you do in case of an earthquake? (1:44) by Görkem Sivri
How to emphasize the importance of preventive actions to defend the population against earthquakes? This video starts by making a comparison with a citizen having a heart attack, or suffering from a broken arm - all "normal" circumstances or in the case of an earthquake. Normal actions – asking a relative for help, calling a taxi, or driving to the hospital – are impossible if an earthquake happens: the phone doesn't work, there aren't taxis, roads are blocked, you are isolated. So what do you do? Is there a way out? Yes: let's prepare in advance, let's learn about the possible preventive actions that can make the difference. They can even save your life.
The world doesn't work under laboratory conditions (1:30) by Christopher Bernd
Models may not coincide with the reality of natural phenomena. The uncertainty factor is always present. It is important to transfer to the public the meaning of uncertainty in science. The value of science exists only if we are aware of its limits.
The North Anatolian Fault (3:57) by Johanna Ickert
Istanbul is located in one of the highest seismic hazard area in the world, due to its proximity to the North Anatolian Fault. This short animated film portraits Olcay, an early career geoscientist, who developed a passion for earthquake science and its communication to the public. Through her personal experience she discovers why her city is so vulnerable to earthquakes, the importance of building respecting anti-seismic criteria and the consequences of unpreparedness to face seismic events by citizens.
Look at videos: http://www.geoethics.org/videos
IAPG - International Association for Promoting Geoethics:
http://www.geoethics.org
