International Association for Promoting Geoethics (IAPG) - Official Blog

New book sets out how geoscience can help us to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals

The role of geoscience in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals is the subject of a new book, with contributions from 42 authors across six continents – including Silvia Peppoloni (IAPG Secretary General), Ezzoura Errami (IAPG Continental Coordinator, Africa), Nic Bilham (IAPG Continental Coordinator, Europe) and Ranjan Kumar Dahal (IAPG-Nepal co-coordinator).

In 2015, global leaders came together at the United Nations to agree 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing a blueprint to create a better and more sustainable world for all with a vision of ‘a world free of poverty, hunger, disease and want, where all life can thrive’. The ambition, scope, and transformational potential of this vision demands our attention, and our action.

Geosciences and the Sustainable Development Goals, published by Springer-Nature, explores how geoscientists’ understanding of the natural environment is essential to achieving this vision. The book was edited by Joel C. Gill and Martin Smith, and delivered as a collaborative product of the British Geological Survey and Geology for Global Development.

The book takes readers through 17 chapters, each exploring how geoscience contributes to the 17 SDGs through the diverse perspectives and examples of the global authors. It discusses a range of themes from ethics, to equity, conduct, and partnerships, as well as exploring many varied aspects of geoscience such as water, energy, minerals, engineering geology and geological hazards.

Joel Gill

Joel Gill – Lead Editor and IAPG member said: "We wrote this book to demonstrate how geoscientists can support sustainable growth and decent jobs, resilient cities and infrastructure, access to basic services, food and water security, and effective environmental management. This book is both a call-to-action and a reminder that ensuring lasting, positive change depends on how we work and our commitments to geoethics, equitable partnerships, professional integrity, and ensuring safe, diverse, and inclusive environments."

The book can be accessed from the Springer-Nature website. Geology for Global Development will be working to help geoscience institutions and development agencies in the Global South access the book.

Further Resources

Article: Geoscience Engagement in Global Development Frameworks (Annals of Geophysics)

Podcast (January 2021): Sustainable Development Goals with Dr Joel Gill - British Geological Survey (bgs.ac.uk)

Higher Education Learning Resources - Geosciences and the SDGs: Higher Education Learning Resources — Geology for Global Development (gfgd.org)

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