Earth Sciences
Understanding our unique Planet Earth.
To even begin to understand and manage our environment – from our water supplies to plants and animal populations – we must first understand the mobile, dynamic and unpredictable foundations upon which it is all built. Earth Science is central to understanding this complex, balanced system on which we depend.
The overall goal of UNESCO`s Earth Sciences work is to improve the understanding of the Earth System and the use of geological knowledge for development. It carries this out principally through its:
- International Geoscience Programme (IGCP)
- public awareness and education initiatives – such as the Global Network of Geoparks, Space Education Programme and Earth Education in Africa
- initiative programmes for earth observation and disaster reduction
International Geoscience Programme (IGCP)
How can we find and use natural resources more sustainably, including minerals, energy and groundwater?
In what ways can we increase our understanding of the geoscientific factors affecting our environment in order to improve human living conditions?
How can we bring together scientists from around the world to undertake joint geoscientific research across disciplines...?
Geology and the geological processes that create the Earth’s minerals, metals, and soils determine the conditions in which we live. Geological knowledge allows us to identify viable resources and renewable geological processes, which may benefit or threaten society. The longstanding International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) supports interdisciplinary research to foster the growth of geoscientific knowledge and expertise worldwide.
IGCP is jointly operated by UNESCO and the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). The Programme provides starter finance for research projects. These projects cover different fields in the Earth Sciences and support interaction with other disciplines including hydrological, ecological, oceanographic, atmospheric and biological sciences. Through these projects, the Programme brings together geoscientists at all levels from developed and developing countries. In doing so it enables scientists from developing countries to get involved in long-term and significant scientific projects that they might otherwise be precluded from.
Over the past 37 years, tens of thousands of scientists have actively taken part in IGCP projects.
The Programme promotes the use of geoscience in a wide range of global issues including health and safety and reducing the adverse effects of natural disasters and resource extraction.
Throughout history, the development of mankind has been intimately linked to the natural history and the resources of our planet. Stone, bronze, iron, gold, coal and oil are but a few of a long list of geological resources that have helped shape society. Entering into the 'silicon age' would not have been possible without geological research and its genius application.
The IGCP Scientific Board consists of approximately 50 specialists responsible for evaluating project proposals and assessing ongoing project works.
For further information about the International Geoscience Programme, visit the IGCP pages on UNESCO’s website.
UK and IGCP
The UK is actively involved in the International Geoscience Programme. Professor Iain Stewart, University of Plymouth, is a member of the IGCP Scientific Board and UK earth scientists make up an average of 33% of project leadership/co-leadership.
In 2008, 12 projects (approximately a third of all IGCP projects) involved UK leaders or co-leaders. Within these:
- Over 100 UK scientists were involved in 37 international meetings;
- Thirty-six of these international meetings took place outside of the UK and about 40% of these were organised in less developed countries;
- The UK led 16 training workshops, all at overseas venues and about half of them in less developed countries;
- Forty-six project-based, peer-reviewed publications involved UK authors.
New IGCP projects starting in 2009, involving UK scientists are:
- Project No. 571 Radon, health and natural hazards (UK-led)
- Project No. 574 Bending and Bent Orogens, and Continental Ribbons
- Project No. 581 Evolution of Asian River Systems
- Project No. 582 Tropical Rivers: Hydro-Physical Processes, Impacts, Hazards and Management
UK IGCP National Committee
The Geological Society of London’s External Relations Committee acts as the UK National Committee for the IGCP and is the main coordinating body for UK input to IGCP. It comprises representatives from learned societies, museums, universities, industry, the British Geological Survey (BGS), and the science media.
The IGCP National Committee is independent of, but works closely with, the UK National Commission for UNESCO’s Sciences Committee. The Chair of the UK IGCP National Committee sits on the UK National Commission for UNESCO’s Sciences Committee and its Working Group for Increased Cooperation Among UNESCO Intergovernmental/ International Scientific Programmes in the UK.
To contact the UK IGCP National Committee email nic.bilham[at]geolsoc.org.uk
