Water Security – Geological hazards, water security, and climate change were among the most pressing themes highlighted during DEU-ISGR-23, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and students to examine the interconnected risks facing our planet. Geological hazards, including earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions, threaten human settlements and critical infrastructure, often magnified by climate-induced changes in weather patterns. Simultaneously, the urgent issue of water security has emerged as a global challenge, with billions at risk from scarcity, contamination, and uneven distribution of resources. Climate change acts as a multiplier, exacerbating these risks while creating new vulnerabilities across regions. The symposium provided a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, where experts discussed solutions rooted in science, policy, and community resilience. By featuring these topics, DEU-ISGR-23 not only advanced research but also emphasized the importance of global collaboration in mitigating future crises. Recognizing the interdependencies among geological systems, water cycles, and climate variability is key to shaping sustainable strategies for both local and international contexts.
Geological Hazards and Human Vulnerability
Geological hazards remain a persistent global concern, threatening lives, economies, and ecosystems. Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and landslides have historically caused catastrophic damage, and their impact is intensified by rapid urbanization in hazard-prone regions. For example, the US Geological Survey highlights the increasing risks associated with densely populated seismic zones, where preparedness and infrastructure resilience are often inadequate. Discussions at DEU-ISGR-23 emphasized not only scientific monitoring but also community engagement and early warning systems as essential tools for reducing disaster impacts. Scholars presented models of hazard prediction and case studies where local knowledge played a pivotal role in disaster management. The integration of cutting-edge geoscience with local practices ensures that risk reduction strategies are practical and effective. By prioritizing these approaches, the symposium underscored the importance of creating frameworks that combine technology, policy, and education to build resilient societies prepared for geological hazards.
Access the Official Proceedings of DEU-ISGR-23 – Peer-Reviewed Papers Across Multiple Disciplines
Water Security in a Changing World
Water security is increasingly recognized as a defining challenge of the 21st century, shaped by growing populations, pollution, and climate stress. According to the UN-Water initiative, over two billion people currently lack access to safe drinking water, with millions more at risk due to unsustainable groundwater extraction and contamination. At DEU-ISGR-23, experts explored strategies for managing water resources equitably, emphasizing integrated water management, conservation practices, and innovations in treatment technologies. Presentations highlighted how regional disparities in water availability can trigger conflicts, migration, and social instability if left unaddressed. Case studies from both developed and developing nations illustrated successful water governance models that balance environmental sustainability with human needs. By examining water security as both a scientific and socio-political issue, the symposium reinforced the idea that sustainable solutions require cross-border cooperation and shared responsibility. Water, as a finite resource, demands holistic management to secure future generations.
Climate Change as a Global Multiplier
Climate change intensifies the threats posed by geological hazards and water insecurity, acting as a “risk multiplier” across systems. Rising global temperatures are linked to melting glaciers, sea-level rise, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, which directly impact both natural and human systems. Reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) confirm that climate change amplifies hazards like floods, droughts, and wildfires, while also exacerbating resource scarcity. DEU-ISGR-23 featured panels where climate scientists collaborated with policy experts to address these overlapping risks. Presentations explored adaptation strategies such as climate-smart agriculture, resilient urban planning, and low-carbon energy transitions. The discussions made clear that addressing climate change cannot be separated from managing geological risks and ensuring water security. By situating climate change at the core of its program, the symposium emphasized the urgent need for integrated approaches that link local resilience with global climate policies.
Integrating Research and Policy for Sustainable Futures
A central theme of DEU-ISGR-23 was bridging the gap between scientific research and policy implementation. While academic studies provide critical insights, their impact depends on effective translation into action. Institutions and governments must work together to transform knowledge into policies that protect communities, ecosystems, and economies. Successful models were shared, demonstrating how collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and local communities leads to practical solutions. The UNESCO Natural Sciences program has long promoted the integration of geoscience into policymaking, a perspective echoed in the symposium’s concluding sessions. DEU-ISGR-23 highlighted the value of interdisciplinary approaches—where geology, hydrology, and climate science intersect with law, governance, and social sciences. By advancing such dialogue, the symposium reinforced its role as a global platform for innovation and resilience. The event not only spotlighted urgent global issues but also empowered participants to act collectively in building sustainable and equitable futures shaped by informed decisions.
