IHRR professor to discuss natural hazard forecasting at geoethics seminar

The international seminar 'Geoethics and Global Ethics in a Time of Polycrisis' will bring geoscientists, philosophers, and scholars in the humanities and social sciences to Assisi, Italy, from 16 to 18 November 2026. The event will explore how geoethics can guide responses to interconnected environmental and societal challenges. Professor Fausto Guzzetti of Durham University's Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR) will contribute a talk on anticipating natural hazards and managing their consequences.
The programme examines the changing human-Earth relationship, cross-cultural perspectives on geoethics, and how ethical principles can guide responsible action. Professor Guzzetti's talk, 'Anticipating natural hazards to manage their consequences', is scheduled for 17 November in Session III, 'From ethical reflection to responsible action: knowledge, decisions and professional practices'.

Using landslides as an example, Professor Guzzetti will examine why forecasts must be understandable and usable, and why scientists should communicate uncertainty and the limits of their expertise. He will also ask whose losses count, who benefits from warnings, and how decisions can distribute risk fairly when delaying action may cause harm.

The seminar is part of the 2026 International Academy of the International Council for Philosophy and Human Sciences (CIPSH) and will take place at Palazzo dei Priori, in Assisi. In-person attendance is by invitation; online participation is open with advance registration.

The event website has the full programme and joining information.

Photo credit: ChatGPT (OpenAI), AI-generated illustration.

Photo caption AI-generated by ChatGPT (OpenAI): Assisi seminar banner; no people pictured.