34th International Geological Congress (IGC): AUSTRALIA 2012

Plenary Program
The 34th IGC Scientific Program will feature a daily Plenary Session from 1-2 pm (1300-1400 hours)
in the main auditorium of the Convention Centre in which distinguished speakers will give invited
presentations on major contemporary themes in the geosciences. These plenary themes are closely
aligned with particular Themes and Symposia in the scientific program and are intended to promote
discussion and debate within the symposia.
The Earth and Man: Living with a restless Earth
An increasing proportion of the world’s population, especially in developing countries, are potentially
at risk from natural hazards. This plenary will examine how man’s interaction with the Earth’s natural
processes has shaped human society and how man has adapted to living in close proximity to natural
hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunami and floods. The speakers will also review the impact
of past major geological disasters on human society and progress in assessing and mitigating the risk of
geological hazards, especially in relation to major cities. The plenary will also consider man’s impact on
the geosphere, biosphere and the landscape, and our potential role in increasing society’s vulnerability to
natural hazards.
Iain STEWART (UK)
Professor Iain Stewart is a geologist and broadcaster who holds a chair in
Geoscience Communication at Plymouth University, UK. After presenting several
major BBC television series about the planet (Journeys from the centre of the Earth;
Journeys into the Ring of Fire; Earth: The Power of the Planet; Earth: The Climate
Wars, How Earth Made Us), his most recent programmes explore his own backyard,
with an environmental history of Scotland (Making Scotland’s Landscape) and a
celebration of the Scottish pioneers of geology (Men of Rock). His latest landmark
BBC series examines how plants have helped shape Earth’s history.
Renato SOLIDUM Jr (Philippines)
Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. is a geologist and obtained his Ph.D in Earth Science
from University of California, San Diego. He is currently the Director of the
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the Philippine
government organisation mandated to monitor and warn, assess hazards and risk,
conduct research and development, and formulate awareness and preparedness
plans to events related to volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunami. He leads PHIVOLCS
involvement in inter-organisational activities related to disaster risk reduction
of the Philippines, including multi-hazards and risk assessment and community
preparedness.
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