The role of earth science and landscape approach in the ethic geology: Communication and divulgation for the prevention and reduction of geological hazard

Abstract

Territorial and environmental problems demand, now more than ever, and particularly in Italy where the situation is dramatic, the constant presence of the geologist in all social, cultural, economic and territorial contexts. It is necessary to act with greater authority and to make the public aware of how the territory in which they live can be both a source of risk and a resource. Knowledge is the key tool; the diffusion of scientific heritage, using well known and appreciated topics that are more accessible to the public, may represent one of the goals for the communication and sensitivity versus natural disasters. From the latest dramatic events in Italy emerged the need to create a new kind of communication that can activate a wider and conscious target, providing society with correct and clear information about the geo-environmental conditions in Italy. There is an obvious need for a new approach to the problems related to the complex context that now shows us a planet going beyond the critical point. A holistic approach is imperative, that is a one that considers the environmental and social ecosystem in its entirety, providing all policy makers with a realistic view of the situation and of possible developments. In fact, a big problem for scientists as well as for society, is the prediction of natural disasters. Knowing what is going to happen, as accurately as possible, is the key to be able to provide an effective warning of the population and plan action to safeguard people and properties.