The human race needs its planet. We depend on it completely, because we evolved from it, remain forever part of it, and can exist only by courtesy of the self-sustaining Earth System. The more we learn, the more we understand that we must nurture the Earth as we would our children, for their sake. (www.esfs.org)

Planet Earth is in our hands

We are dependent on it for our very existence. In the 20th century we have used its seemingly inexhaustible resources indiscreetly and are effects are being felt. Its time to conserve and nurture and restore the harmony of delicate balance which we are beginning to fathom and leave a better place for future generations of human race.
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To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year (IGY), a series of celebrations related to the Planet Earth have been envisaged during the triennium 2007-2009, namely, International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE, 2007-2009), International Polar Year (IPY, 2007-2008), Electronic Geophysical Year (EGY, 2007-2008) and International Heliophysical Year (IHY, 2007). The United Nations Organization, with more than 100 signatory countries has also proclaimed the year 2008 as the International Year of Planet Earth. To ensure an appropriate participation by India at these international endeavours, the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi has constituted a National Coordination Group to identify India's role. The first meeting of this group took place during October 26-27, 2006 at the National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad. Prof. Ed. Mulder. President of the International Year of Planet Earth Corporation (IYPEC) participated at this meeting. A Memorandum of Understanding for collaboration between INSA and IYPEC was signed by Prof. Ed Mulder (IYPEC) and Prof. Harsh Gupta (INSA).

Earth scientists are today's key players in building a sustainable world. For our children's sake we must be able to use the Earth's riches without wasting resources that cannot be replenished, and without upsetting the dynamic equilibrium of the Earth System that sustains us all.

Cognizance of minds and multidisciplinary research is the need of the hour to understand earth as a whole and evolve harmonious solutions of complimentary nature.

The theme "Planet Earth" at the 94th Indian Science Congress, 2007 (ISCA 94) held in Jan 2007 aimed at promoting multidisciplinary research in earth sciences for harmonious solutions