iCRAG, the SFI Research Centre for Applied Geosciences, in collaboration with the International Union of Geological Sciences, have launched the online UNESCO Lecture Series on Earth Materials for a Sustainable and Thriving Society.

The programme of free online lectures, beginning January 26, 2021, is designed for a global audience and will provide diverse perspectives on Earth materials and their role in society. Leading natural scientists, social scientists, and educators will look at how Earth materials are critical to a sustainable future and how the minerals sector, adhering to best practices, can contribute to society in a socially and environmentally positive way.

The lectures will be delivered in webinar format by recognized global experts who will frame their presentations in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Series will boost knowledge of Earth materials and contribute to better informed local, regional, and international discussions.

Speaking in advance of the first lecture, iCRAG Director Murray Hitzman said, “With increasing demand for materials globally, the responsible sourcing of Earth materials is a key issue in addressing the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. By bringing a worldwide audience together for the UNESCO Lecture Series, iCRAG aims to enhance the global conversation on sustainability.”

Edmund Nickless who leads the Resourcing Future Generation Initiative on behalf of IUGS said, “Geoscientists need to work together with social scientists and other disciplines to address arguably the greatest challenge facing humankind – how we build a fairer global society while managing the challenge of climate change in ways that are environmentally sustainable.  Minerals will be essential to realising that transition.” 

All lectures are free to attend and will include live Q&A sessions with the presenters.  All sessions will be conducted in English, but live captioning in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Swahili, and Hindi will be available. The six-lecture series will be broadcast on Tuesdays between January 26 and March 9, 2021.

Full lecture schedule and registration is available here.