Earth system science for the 21st century: Towards truly sustainable development

Abstract

Our ultimate resources come from the Sun and the Earth system. At this time we face a world crisis in energy, water and soil resources. Global pollution problems are increasing in almost all nations and our climate is changing. There is an urgent need to use our vast knowledge with a new wisdom and this requires new integrated teams of experts to provide the best alternatives for the needed new development problems. These teams must include economists, engineers and a broad spectrum of scientists. Today it is possible to produce clean energy, stop soil erosion, clean water and reduce and use wastes of many types. There is a great need to improve natural science education at all levels. All people must know how our planet works and that fluctuations, some inevitable, some controllable, will occur and that we must prepare for them. And it is clear that protecting the environment, eliminating pollution, preserving biodiversity is good economics. Ecology-Economy cannot be separated.