Following her presentation at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly in Vienna, I caught up with geomorphologist and environmental detective Annegret Larsen from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, about beavers, baffling sediments and a case she’s been solving for the past seven years. Back in 2012 the German geomorphology community was seriously debating the source of buried black ...[Read More]
GeoPolicy: Science in policymaking: Who is responsible?
Should scientists actively approach policymakers in order to guide their decision-making processes, or is it the policymakers’ responsibility to seek scientific advice? In the first of the Great Debates at this year’s European Geosciences Union General Assembly in Vienna a mixed panel of policymakers and geoscientists tried to answer who should be responsible for making sure that science was used ...[Read More]
GeoTalk: “Grown-ups are not focusing on the plastic problem, not as much as I want them to”
Lucie Parsons, a ten-year old girl from the small village of Walkington, in England, is on a personal mission to save the environment from plastic pollution. After seeing on the BBC Blue Planet II documentary how litter in the ocean is damaging ecosystems, she decided to take action. Now she gives talks and is co-researcher in her mother’s PhD on climate change and the youth voice. Lucie has come ...[Read More]
First evidence of microplastics on mountain glaciers
We tend to think of glaciers as spotless pristine settings. But “if plastic is everywhere, why not on the surface of glaciers?” This occurred to Roberto Sergio Azzoni, a professor of environmental science and policy at the University of Milan in Italy, who decided to find the answer to this question for himself. At the European Geosciences Union General Assembly in Vienna, Azzoni and his team pres ...[Read More]
In Vienna for the weekend? Here’s a taste of what’s on offer…
The General Assembly has come to an end, with only a few hours left to go. Many of the participants will make their way home over the weekend, but if you’ve chosen to stay on for a little longer, then this list of cultural activities and things to do in Vienna might just be the ticket! Have coffee, Vienna style Experience the true delights of Viennese coffee at Cafe Prükel. Strong and delicious &# ...[Read More]
Announcing the winners of the EGU Photo Competition 2019!
The selection committee received over 600 photos for this year’s EGU Photo Contest, covering fields across the geosciences. Participants at the 2019 General Assembly have been voting for their favourites throughout the week of the conference and there are three clear winners. Congratulations to 2019’s fantastic photographers! Imaggeo is the EGU’s online open access geo ...[Read More]
At the Assembly 2019: Friday highlights
The conference is coming to a close and there’s still an abundance of great sessions to attend! Here’s our guide to getting the most out of the conference on its final day. Boost this information with features from EGU Today, the daily newsletter of the General Assembly – download it here. Union-wide sessions The final day of the conference kicks off with the last two Union sessions. The first ses ...[Read More]
At the Assembly 2019: Thursday Highlights
Welcome to the fourth day of General Assembly excitement! Once again the day is packed with great events for you to attend and here are just some of the sessions on offer. You can find out more about what’s on in EGU Today, the daily newsletter of the General Assembly – download it here. Union-wide sessions The Union-wide session of the day focuses on Promoting and supporting equality of opportuni ...[Read More]
Groundwater springs harbour hidden viruses
In many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, groundwater springs are a vital, precious source of water. They are also a reservoir of disease. Research presented at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly in Vienna reveals that groundwater reservoirs in Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda contain diverse communities of viruses – including those that present a risk to human health. The work, carried out by I ...[Read More]
At the Assembly 2019: Wednesday Highlights
We’re halfway through the General Assembly already! Once again there is lots on offer at EGU 2019 and this is just a taster – be sure to complement this information with EGU Today, the daily newsletter of the General Assembly, available for download here. Union-wide sessions Communication between scientists, institutions, policymakers and the general public is widely recognised as an essential ste ...[Read More]