The global society of today struggles with grand challenges, such as climate change, the degradation of ecosystems, and the loss of bio- and geodiversity, as identified in several documents. The search for solutions to these and other problems on the way to sustainable development necessarily involves a better understanding of the Earth system and its dynamics. The Earth system is composed of five highly dependent and interrelated subsystems that exchange matter and energy. This notion is at the base of what in the literature is named Earth System Science (ESS). Humanity has been profoundly altering the dynamics of this system, leading to the proposal of a new geological epoch—the Anthropocene. Developing a holistic understanding of the complex and tangled relationships between subsystems and the role of human impacts is the target of study of Earth System Education (ESE). With the assumptions of ESS, ESE is emerging as a new approach in science education. Based on a deep knowledge of the planet and the development of specific competencies, such as system thinking, it is possible to perform more actively and consciously in the relationships that citizens develop with the Earth system, enabling the existence of a more viable future for humanity.

Society’s progress and living standards depend on the exploitation of raw materials. For centuries, its exploitation had kept pace with humanity’s demand. Lithium is a critical element, essential to the development of green technologies, to decarbonization process, and for our daily life. In Portugal, there are high-quality Lithium deposits, with the Barroso-Alvão region holding a significant one. In this region, the mining possibility raises communities’ societal concerns. Although exploitation is a needed asset for geoscientists, communities present a contrary position. Then, what is the reason for this conflict? A questionnaire was conducted amongst inhabitants (N = 61) from two communities to determine their perceptions concerning the transparency of communication by the specialists, media, and exploitation companies. The results revealed insufficient clearness leading to the population’s disapproval. Geoethical dilemmas were raised such as the need for reliable communication and the geoscientists’ role in informed consent. Underlying to geosciences education and communication, citizens’ engagement activities are required for the forming of accurate opinions about the demand for georesources.

Geoethics is a field of knowledge currently in full development. Researchers in geoethics are primarily concerned with the anthropogenic interaction with the Earth system. Due to its nature, geoethics holds particular importance in sustainable development due to its nature as it aims to promote ethical human behaviour that does not negatively impact the Earth system. In the present research, we implemented an intervention program addressing various issues related to the sustainability of the Earth system, such as the exploitation of geological resources, the management of geological risks, and the conservation and promotion of geopatrimony. The intervention program was applied to higher education students in the geosciences field. A sample of 90 students from various geosciences courses completed an initial questionnaire, revealing limited knowledge about geoethics. This study resorted to mixed-method research involving interviews with some students who volunteered (n = 52). The results showed that after applying the intervention programme, most students developed a deeper understanding of the topics addressed and recognised the contributions this scientific area can make to sustainable development. Additional research in geoethics education is essential to foster the integration of geoethics into the curricula of higher education institutions.

This research addresses the social exclusion of elderly citizens in terms of lifelong education via an interdisciplinary STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) approach. Technological literacy among older people is a critical factor in social exclusion. This study seeks to provide senior citizens with competencies in scientific, artistic, mathematical, and technological domains by enhancing scientific and technological literacy. The research developed a series of non-formal education sessions on the golden ratio using a STEAM educational approach. A quantitative methodology approach was carried out by using a diagnostic survey of the participants’ conceptions and a subsequent quasi-experimental study to evaluate the impact of the intervention. This study, conducted with 37 senior citizens (n = 37), found positive results aligning with the existing literature on the potential of the STEAM approach. The STEAM approach proved to be engaging for seniors, offering a holistic and interdisciplinary educational experience. Despite the limited availability of science educational programs for seniors and the scarcity of studies on lifelong learning using the STEAM approach, this research highlights the need for such initiatives, especially given the growing senior population. Applying STEAM education shows promise in enhancing scientific literacy and motivation among adult learners. By integrating mathematical concepts, such as the golden ratio, with practical applications in arts and natural sciences, STEAM education can provide a rich, motivating, and accessible learning experience, promoting active and healthy ageing through lifelong learning. Further research and development in this area could maximise educational benefits for the senior population.

Understanding Earth as a complex, dynamic, and interconnected system is crucial to addressing the contemporary environmental challenges intensified in the Anthropocene. This article reviews foundational Earth System Science (ESS) developments, emphasizing its transdisciplinary nature and highlighting how it has evolved to address critical issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainability. Concurrently, Earth System Education (ESE) has emerged as an educational approach to foster holistic a understanding, environmental insights, and geoethical values among citizens. Integrating geoethics into ESE equips citizens with scientific knowledge and the ethical reasoning necessary for responsible decision making and proactive engagement in sustainability efforts. This article identifies system thinking and environmental insight as the key competencies that enable individuals to appreciate the interconnectedness of Earth’s subsystems and humanity’s role within this complex framework. This study advocates for embedding a holistic and geoethical view of the Earth system into formal and non-formal education, promoting inclusive, participatory, and action-oriented learning experiences. This educational shift is essential for empowering citizens to effectively address the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability, thereby fostering resilient, informed, and ethically responsible global citizenship in the Anthropocene.