Abstract
Nowadays, geology has a big “social” problem. Starting in the field of
education where the science of geology is less well taught, so that
society knows less about geology and its important role in daily life.
For example, we can see on the news lots of people suffering because of
natural phenomenon such as volcanic eruptions (e.g. Fuego in Guatemala,
Kilauea in Hawaii), landslides or building collapses (e.g. Morandi
Bridge in Genova, Italy), which could have been minimised or even
prevented if society were better aware of the pivotal role that the
geosciences can provide for such problems. However, we still cannot
solve this problem, until we have not solved our “internal problems”.
First of all, Geology has further to evolve, in the manner that Physics
did from Classical Physics of Newton to Quantum Physics. Modern geology
has only started using Plate Tectonics theory, but needs more time to
evolve and find its “quantum theory”. Our science has been
“distracted” by the rest of “earth sciences” which is less
interested in pure geological research to improve learning. Consequently
our community understands our science very well, but we have not been
able to improve key factors, such as predictability or more precise
modelling. The more we are specialised, the less we know about the other
geological disciplines. If we want to contribute to this evolution, all
disciplines must work together. As many say “the best geologists have
seen the most rocks”. Secondly, geology is suffering from the subtle
degradation of science education, allowing poor science to be accepted
as true by the media. No-one wants to see the policing of science but it
is a daily occurrence that emotional issues take precedence over
data-driven facts. We have a role to ensure that our own scientific
opinions are clear and not subject to the whims of fashionable though
Once this has been solved, we should be able to transmit more
effectively the key role of geosciences in daily life. An obvious start
is transmitting geology to those that love the countryside such as
artists, walkers, mountain climbers or landscapers, those who appreciate
nature and already have wide perspectives on their environment. Geology
can help to improve those qualities. If we also use our research to help
the economic and social development of an area, we will have advanced
our role in optimising the tasks. Combining geological knowledge with
other disciplines of science, e.g. the International Medical Geology
Association (IMGA), a good example of applying our expertise to enhance
mutually beneficial solutions. During our cooperation, we had the
opportunity to get to know about H2020, an EU Programme destined to
improve scientific research and share knowledge between scientists. This
project, as well as IMGA, are examples of structures in which
geosciences are applicable in sustainable development. Attending
Geoscience and Society Summit will allow us to explain in detail all
these ideas.