General Assembly

GeoPolicy: Science in policymaking: Who is responsible?

Maria Rubal Thomsen April 26, 2019

Great Debate, panel in action. Credit: Chloe Hill

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”

Maria Rubal Thomsen April 24, 2019

We caught up with Lucie Parsons, a ten-year old girl from Walkington, England, who is on a personal mission to save the environment from plastic pollution. She and her mother presented at the EGU General Assembly 2019 earlier this month. Credit: Maria Rubal Thomsen

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

Maria Rubal Thomsen April 19, 2019

A stunning photo of Forni Glacier. A new study has found evidence of microplastic contamination on this alpine glacier. (Credit: Marcobarci via Wikimedia Commons)

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…

Sara Mynott, Anastasia Kokori and Maria Rubal April 12, 2019

Vienna’s Prater Park. Credit: Andreallrns, Wikimendia Commons

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]