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’. The role of geoscience in delivering this vision is the subject of a new book, Geosciences and the Sustainable Development Goals, published by Springer-Nature. Edited by BGS International Development Geoscientist / GfGD Executive Director, Dr Joel C. Gill and BGS Global Science Director, Dr Martin Smith, the book features contributions from 42 authors across six continents.
The book takes readers through 17 chapters exploring how geoscience contributes to the 17 SDGs, and an additional chapter synthesising key lessons and recommendations. It discusses 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. Each chapter includes learning resources to help educators contextualise and apply the substance of the book.
“The transformational vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development demands our attention and action,” explains Joel, “We wrote this book to demonstrate how geoscientists’ 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.”
Lead Editor, Dr Joel Gill, will discuss the book in conversation with Sarah Gordon
