The influence of geoethics on the professional activity of the Earth sciences

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the challenges that geoscientists face in their professional practice concerning geoethics. It explores their perceptions, the tools available to them, and the significance of this concept in their professional activities. The research relies on semi-structured interviews conducted with Earth Science professionals who have developed their careers primarily in Argentina, and to a lesser extent in other regions. Although the term "geoethics" is not systematically addressed in academic institutions, professionals compensate for this lack of formal training with their own ethical values, in alignment with the protocols established by the companies or institutions that employ them. Furthermore, when ethical dilemmas arise, they often find themselves reconciling their personal values with corporate objectives, without the support of a geoethics code to guide them in cases of conscientious objection when consensus proves insufficient.