New book sets out the role of geoscience in achieving a sustainable future

The role of geoscience in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals is the subject of a new book edited by staff at BGS and Geology for Global Development (GfGD), a charity that aims to promote the role of geology in sustainable development.

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’.

Geosciences and the Sustainable Development Goals, published by Springer-Nature, explores how geoscientists’ understanding of the natural environment is essential to achieving this vision. Edited by BGS International Development Geoscientist, Dr Joel C Gill and BGS Global Science Director, Dr Martin Smith, the book features contributions from 42 authors from across six continents.

The transformational vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development demands our attention and action.

Tackling these complex challenges requires interdisciplinary solutions, engagement and participation by diverse groups from across sectors and disciplines. This includes geoscientists. We wrote this book to demonstrate how geoscientists’ understanding of Earth systems, dynamics and resources can support sustainable growth and decent jobs, resilient cities and infrastructure, access to basic services, food and water security, and effective environmental management.

We hope it will support geoscientists, in all sectors and specialisms, to play their part in securing a sustainable and equitable future for all.

Dr Joel Gill, BGS International Development Geoscientist

Although geoscientists are encouraged to take an active role in achieving the SDGs, sustainability concepts are not always included in the traditional education of many geoscientists, which could limit their ability to engage with them in a meaningful way.

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.

Dr Gill added:

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 ethical practice, strong partnerships, integrity, and diversity, equality and inclusion.

Each chapter includes learning resources to help educators contextualise and apply the substance of the book.

The book is delivered by BGS and Geology for Global Development, which was made possible by National Capability funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), as part of Geoscience for Sustainable Futures.