Geoscience in Action: Advancing Sustainable Development

SEG 2025 Europe Honorary Lecturer - Emer Caslin

Format: Virtual Webinar. 45 min. presentation followed by 15 min. Q&A

An optional post-lecture workshop will immediately follow each lecture for expanded Q&A and networking

Session 1, Friday, June 18, 2025, 3 pm to 4 pm UK Time Register Here

Past SEG Recordings

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Past SEG Recordings SEG Members Free Access Details

Abstract

This talk explores the evolving and essential role of geoscientists in addressing the grand challenges of our time and contributing meaningfully to a more sustainable future. As the world tackles with balancing the need for natural resources for a growing population and a changing climate, geoscientists are uniquely positioned to offer solutions grounded in the knowledge of Earth's systems through time.

Drawing on the UNESCO/AGU publication Geoscience in Action: Advancing Sustainable Development, the presentation will highlight tangible examples of how geoscientists are contributing to the achievement of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These case studies span multiple disciplines and geographies, showcasing the real-world impact, economic, environmental and societal value of geoscience projects.

The talk will also reflect on how the discipline itself must evolve to remain relevant and impactful. This includes embracing multi- and transdisciplinary approaches, fostering collaboration across sectors, and advancing convergent geoscience research that integrates social, economic, and political dimensions.

A key theme in this evolution is the need for geoscientists to engage more proactively with stakeholders. Effective stakeholder mapping and engagement is becoming an increasingly important duty of the geoscientist both in maximising the impact of project results and also in maintaining the relevance of the discipline itself as we witness the closure of geoscience academic departments around the world. Central to this is the vital skill of geoscience communication; how we can communicate our science more effectively to develop stronger partnerships with stakeholders for successful project outcomes.

Your Instructor

Emer Caslin

With 20+ years in the energy sector and research, Emer has worked globally as a Geoscientist with SLB, specialising in reservoir interpretation and modelling. She has held roles from technical consulting to business development and portfolio management—ranging from technical operational support to shaping geoscience strategy at the corporate level.

She is currently Business Development Manager with the Geoscience Research Centre iCRAG, supporting a large network of geoscientists developing solutions for a sustainable society and contributing to the development and implementation of the Centre’s research strategy.

Emer is passionate about the role that geoscience can play in supporting a sustainable future. She volunteers with a range of geoscience professional societies to augment action on sustainability within the discipline.