Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics Recommendations for the Geoscience Community
- iapgeoethics
- Sep 30
- 2 min read
This report presents recommendations for the ethical application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the geosciences. It has been prepared by the Task Group on AI Ethics in Geosciences under the Commission on Geoethics of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).
Statistical and machine learning approaches have supported geosciences for decades and the rapid adoption of frontier and generative AI have introduced new risks and amplifies existing ones. The study has been commissioned reflecting the rapidly increasing development and take-up of frontier generative AI solutions by geoscientists, wider use of AI in all aspects of the geosciences, and numerous high profile ethical issues in geoscience AI deployments.
This report is intended to guide practicing academic, industry, governmental and non-governmental geoscientists, society leaders, and policymakers. It outlines ethical considerations for the use of AI in geoscience, while also contributing to ongoing academic discussion on AI and geoethics.
Eight themes were identified with recommendations intended to address ethical issues and concerns occurring, or likely to occur, within the geosciences. These are: Use AI Responsibly; Promote Transparency and Explainability; Consider Bias and Fairness; Obtain Informed Consent, Protect Personal Data; Practice Participatory Design and Community Engagement; Advocate for Environmental Protection; Integrity in Science, Publishing and Education; and Consider Geopolitics. A simple practical one-page summary is presented for AI Ethics in the Geosciences, supported by a rich discussion of each theme with illustrative geoscience specific examples and reflective questions.
The use of virtue ethics emphasises the approach: that ethics is not just about rules and consequences, it is about moral virtues like honesty, courage and empathy, and intellectual virtues such as practical wisdom and intuition. At its core, virtue ethics asks: What would a good and wise geoscientist do?
A high-level roadmap for continuous improvement is proposed to keep pace with this rapidly evolving space, consisting of practical and easy to use ethical impact and risk assessments. The report also proposes establishing a standing international body within the IUGS Commission on Geoethics to advise on AI ethics and remain agile to developments and emerging new issues. The recommendations aim to foster a responsible, just, and sustainable integration of AI that serves the public good, upholds human rights, and contributes meaningfully to the integrity of the geoscience discipline and stewardship of the earth.
This important document was reviewed by an international panel of colleagues, and subsequently unanimously approved by the Governing Board of the Commission on Geoethics. All reviewers have kindly agreed to be acknowledged in the document.
Download the report "Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics Recommendations for the Geoscience Community" (pdf file)
IUGS - Commission on Geoethics:
IAPG - International Association for Promoting Geoethics:
CIPSH - Chair on Geoethics: