The International Geosynthetics Society has released a new ebook for Earth Day! The short publication, Preparing the Ground for a Brighter Future, is based upon IGS Vice President Dr Nathalie Touze’s Giroud Lecture.
In Dr. Touze’s lecture (Healing The World: A Geosynthetics Solution), she highlights the UN Sustainable Development Goals, climate change, and philosophy while emphasizing what we can do in geotechnical engineering to change the world for the better. Geosynthetics are central to engineering’s response.
DOWNLOAD THE IGS EBOOK (PDF)
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PREPARING THE GROUND FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE
The ebook has been motivated not only by the Touze lecture but by a larger organizational endeavor to ensure that geosynthetics are not confused with common plastics in public debate. Geosynthetic materials, for example, are utilized in coastal protection applications. Though geosynthetics are polymeric, they should not be erroneously pulled into discussions of removing “plastics” from the ocean.
It’s a proactive measure to contribute to the larger public conversation. Sharing information is essential.
“The IGS is working hard on a range of education initiatives globally,” Touze says in an interview on the IGS website. “But as an industry we also need to shout more about the good work we have done and are doing. Case studies, with quantifiable data regarding carbon footprints, lifecycle analysis, and rigorous testing and communication are essential. These will all help us prove our point; geosynthetics are a long-term force for good.”
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The succinct sections of the ebook focus on:
- Feeding the World
- Quality Water for All
- Natural Disasters
- Connecting People
- Economic Development
- Protecting Our Environment
- Living Together: IGS Values
DOWNLOAD THE IGS EBOOK (PDF)
