Report on the 18th International Symposium on Geo-disaster Reduction and the 4th Gu Dezhen Lecture, 20-22 November 2020, Beijing, China

Area of Science:

• Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Geology
• Disaster Management

Background:

• The 18th International Symposium on Geo-disaster Reduction (ISGdR) focused on the critical theme of "Improving the Relationship between Geoenvironment and Society."
• The symposium was held in Beijing, China, from 20-22 November, adopting a hybrid format combining offline and online participation.
• It provided a vital platform for interdisciplinary exchange among scientists, industry professionals, and students.

Discussion:

• The event facilitated discussions on the complex interactions between geological environments and societal well-being.
• Keynote and invited lectures highlighted advancements and challenges in understanding and mitigating geo-disasters.
• The hybrid format enabled broader participation and knowledge dissemination globally.

Key Insights:

• Sharing of cutting-edge research and novel ideas in the field of geo-disaster reduction.
• Strengthened collaborative networks between academia, industry, and emerging researchers.
• Enhanced understanding of the socio-environmental dimensions of geo-disaster management.

Outlook:

• Future research directions and collaborative initiatives for sustainable geo-disaster risk reduction.
• The importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing global geo-environmental challenges.
• Continued development of innovative strategies for resilient societies in the face of geo-hazards.