Unlike the more typical content, this blog post does not consider our earth’s environment as a challenge to overcome, or a risk, but guides us in using its landscape as a mental resource. Join Cecilia in her reflections on the landscape of Mount Fuji and let her help you to access the wonders of nature indoors. Take a moment to think about a piece of artwork that speaks to you. A piece that ...[Read More]
Education
Building trust through effective science communication
Barbara shares ideas on effective science communication. She explains why we should be interested, based on her own observations of emerging movements such as Flat Earthers and climate change deniers in the US and Brazil. How can we build trust in science? I would like to make an invitation to all my fellow scientists. Let’s make our research accessible! Use social media, Instagram, YouTube, Twitt ...[Read More]
How can we emerge into a better world? How Geology can ease your mind. That and more in Jesse Zondervan’s start-of-2020 #GfGDpicks #SciComm
Each month, Jesse Zondervan picks his favourite posts from geoscience and development blogs/news which cover the geology for global development interest. Here’s a round-up of Jesse’s favourite selections for the first three months of 2020: [Editor’s note: This post reflects Jesse’s personal opinions. These opinions may not reflect official policy positions of Geology for Global Development.] For m ...[Read More]
Introducing Our New Authors – Cecilia Reed
Over the next few weeks, we’d like to introduce you to some new faces on the GfGD blog, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives on topics relating to geoscience and sustainable development. We’re delighted to have their input and look forward to their posts. Today we interview Cecilia Reed – a creative earth science communicator and an expert voice and onscreen contributor for the BBC. Tell us ...[Read More]
What role should academic institutions be playing in changing people’s perception towards Geosciences?
During her time at a mining school Hannah Ritchie wondered why the GfGD society membership was so low. How do people perceive geology’s ability to contribute to a sustainable future? Hannah explores the traditional and changing reputation of geology and the roles academic institutions could play in directing this change. [Editor’s note: This post reflects Hannah’s personal opinions. These opinions ...[Read More]
Event Report: UN Science, Technology and Innovation Forum 2019
In May 2019, we led an international delegation of early-career Earth scientists to the UN Forum on Science, Technology, and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals. Download our full event report here. The annual UN Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) aims to facilitate interactions, networks and partnerships to identify and examine needs and gaps in technologies, scientifi ...[Read More]
Careers in Geoscience-for-Development: Some Tips and Resources
One of the most frequently asked questions put to me is ‘how does a geoscientist develop a career linked to international aid or sustainable development?’. Here are some thoughts, recently curated for the 2018 GfGD Annual Conference report, together with examples of how GfGD’s work helps to mobilise geoscientists to engage in sustainable development. Geoscience matters, is critical to progre ...[Read More]
A mining state in Brazil, without geological knowledge? On the value of science communication
As the theme of this month is science communication, I’d like to share some of my own experiences with geoscience communication and public perception of geosciences. I was born and raised in Minas Gerais – the most traditional mining state of Brazil. Nowadays it is internationally recognized for recent environmental disasters such as the failure of the Brumadinho and Fundão tailings dams. I ...[Read More]
Water and Sustainable Development – 6th GfGD Annual Conference Event Report
Understanding, managing and protecting water resources is critical to the delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., education, water and sanitation, healthy oceans, zero hunger, good health, gender equality, energy, industry, and biodiversity). Increasing urbanisation, industrialisation, and climate change, however, are increasing pressure on water supplies and reducing water quality ...[Read More]
How deep-seated is bias against scientists in the Global South? Can we attribute individual disasters to climate change? Find out in Jesse Zondervan’s Dec 20 – Jan 24 2018 #GfGDpicks #SciComm
Each month, Jesse Zondervan picks his favourite posts from geoscience and development blogs/news which cover the geology for global development interest. Here’s a round-up of Jesse’s selections for the last four weeks: If we want to solve the world’s problems, we need all the world’s scientists. Social Entrepreneur Nina Dudnik speaks out against prejudice towards scientists in the developing world ...[Read More]