Five years of Earth sciences and art at the EGU (2015–2019)

Abstract

It is becoming increasingly evident that both the scientific and artistic communities have a shared interest and responsibility in raising awareness of the limits to our planetary boundaries and the fragile stability and resilience of our Earth system. In the past, this issue was addressed mostly through traditional educational methods. However, there is mounting evidence that science–art collaborations can play a pivotal and vital role in this context by co-creating new ways of research and by stimulating the discussion by providing an emotional and human context through the arts. In 5 years of sessions at the EGU General Assembly (2015–2019) dedicated to the Earth sciences and art, we have witnessed geosciences being successfully presented through music, visual art, photography, theatre, literature, and digital art, where the artists explored new practices and methods in their work with scientists but also where scientists have been inspired by artists in their research, and finally truly trans-disciplinary co-creation of Sci-Art work has emerged. The present SI collects these works with the intent, on the one hand, of not dispensing with precious experiences. On the other hand, it cultivates the ambition to contribute to the restoration of a culture where both scientific and humanistic disciplines can contribute to the spread of a deeper knowledge of the Earth on the part of all, re-awakening, at the same time, a sense of beauty and responsibility for the planet.