Ethical Requirements for Applied Earth System Science and Engineering

Abstract

Anthropogenic global change challenges societal development and nature conservation [1, 2, 3]. The Earth science and engineering disciplines are therefore increasingly called upon to inform and help to guide societies towards better social and environmental outcomes based on their scientific understanding and technological know-how. While these disciplines have existing ethical frameworks relating to scientific methods and technological applications, their frameworks for the social or political consequences of their work, including their world views and codes of ethics are less developed even though these are becoming increasingly important as human activities increasingly shape environments, habitats and societal opportunities for future development. Strengthening the ethical framework that is in support of professionals working in geoscience, applied earth system science and environmental engineering could address these challenges.