The 37th International Geological Congress (IGC 2024) will be held in Busan, Korea in August 2024. This congress will draw attention to the pressing concerns surrounding climate change and environmental changes, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the sustainability of our planet.
The past year has seen abnormally high temperatures across the globe, leading to predictions that 2023 will be the hottest year in Earth’s history. This alarming realization has brought the concept of climate change out of the realm of academia and into our daily lives.
Geologists now argue that the rapid climate and environmental changes necessitate a reevaluation of our geological period. Traditionally, the era from 10,000 years ago to the present has been known as the Holocene. However, Nobel Prize winner Paul Crutzen proposes a new era called the Anthropocene, attributing geological changes to human activities. While the exact start date of this era is still debated, many experts predict that the Anthropocene will eventually be recognized as an independent geological era.
The media and geologists worldwide are focusing on the proposed Anthropocene epoch due to the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address the crisis posed by rapid climate and environmental changes. As a result, the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS), part of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), is engaging in comprehensive discussions with other geoscientists on this issue. These discussions will continue at the upcoming 37th IGC 2024 in Busan, which has garnered significant media attention in anticipation of a decision regarding the Anthropocene. The organizing committee of IGC 2024 is preparing for a special session dedicated to the Anthropocene, featuring presentations and discussions on related topics. Korea is at the forefront of global attention as it takes the lead in initiating this new geological era.
The International Geological Congress (IGC), often referred to as the Geological Olympics, is the premier international academic event in the field of geological science. This quadrennial congress, which began with its inaugural general meeting in Paris in 1878, rotates among different host countries, maintaining its status as the largest gathering in the field.
The 37th International Geological Congress (IGC 2024) is hosted by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) and organized by the Organizing Committee of IGC 2024. It will take place in Busan, Korea from August 25 to 31, 2024. The previous congress, the 36th International Geological Congress, was scheduled to be held in New Delhi, India in 2020 but was conducted online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite this adjustment, interest in the congress has grown exponentially. With an average participation of 6,000 members from 120 countries, the 2024 meeting is expected to attract up to 10,000 attendees due to the increasing popularity of K-culture.
One of the highlights of the IGC is the opportunity to participate in informative and sustainable field trips. Field work is crucial for geologists, and the IGC traditionally offers several field courses to discuss current local and regional geological issues. Approximately 40 courses are currently being planned across South Korea and neighboring countries. The courses are divided into three themes: Geology of Korea, Geoparks, and Geohazards. Participants, including registrants and accompanying persons, have the chance to engage in field trips before and after the congress, ranging from several days to a single day or half-day trips. These field trips not only provide valuable geological experiences but also offer insights into the cultural aspects of the region. Refer to the list and map provided for more details on the planned courses.
In conclusion, the 37th International Geological Congress in Busan, Korea in 2024 will serve as a platform for addressing the urgent concerns surrounding climate change and environmental changes. It will also facilitate discussions on the proposed Anthropocene epoch and its recognition as a new geological era. With its informative field trips and international participation, the congress promises to be a significant event in the field of geological science.
