Italian Forum of Earth Sciences

The 8th edition of the Italian Forum of Earth Sciences, September 2011, singles out sustainability as its main theme, thus highlighting the key role of the geosciences with respect to important topics for the present and, in particular, for the future of our society. Resources and energy, climate, water, infrastructures, mobility, natural hazard impact reduction, new materials, cultural heritage protection and conservation are all aspects of interest both for basic and applied research, within subjects that go from the Earth interior up to the atmosphere limit.

Public opinion is growing more aware of the critical issues that our society will have to face in the environmental field: unfortunately, neither the perception of virtuous behaviours, nor their adoption keep pace with the increasing awareness. This gap is common at various levels, from politicians to ordinary citizens, it has multiple and complex reasons sometimes dramatically highlighted by the effects of the improper use of the land. Admittedly, it is necessary to improve the information about the role that geosciences can play in offering most of the answers to the critical questions, providing the decision makers with the tools they need to face the most daunting challenges: infrastructures safety, water, energy supply or environmental protection.

A more significant contribution of the Earth Sciences and the emphasis on their key-role for the future of our society is a general goal shared worldwide. The 8th Forum aims to specifically highlight it, with two main goals: addressing the younger generations, also reaching out to them through their teachers with whom Italian Federation of Earth Sciences has already started a constructive dialogue; addressing effectively  the potential users of the Geosciences results, ranging from central and local public administrations to individual citizens, trying to develop the capacity of communicating in a clear and easy way.

The 8th forum can also emphasize that acting in a sustainable way cannot do without scientific research, technological innovation and education at all levels, from University degree to advanced studies and continuous training. At the same time, the 8th forum will also highlight that a sustainable development always combines with new opportunities, not only for those involved in scientific research. The growth of interest and investments in renewable resources is an example.

For these reasons, we would like to use the occasion of the 8th Forum for an open discussion about the scientific aspects of our disciplines and, at the same time, to promote a debate between professional, academics, companies about the work that all the Geosciences can undertake to make more significant their presence in the environmental management and policies. The celebration of the IUGS 50th anniversary will also contribute to the debate.

The choice of the 8th Forum topics represents also the symbolic gesture of taking up and re-launching the goals of the international Year of Planet Earth.

Our planet needs attention that should never fade away.