An open letter from Dr Eduardo F.J. de Mulder

Earth Sciences for Society - why an International Year?

Welcome to the Web Site of the International Year of Planet Earth, a joint initiative by the International Union of Geological Sciences and UNESCO.

This Initiative was announced during the 30th International Geological Congress in Rio de Janeiro (August 2000).  Now 5 years of work further on, it is strongly supported by the Initiators, 12 Founding Partners and 23 Associate Partners. the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed the International Year of Planet Earth for 2008 during its 60^th Session on the 22^nd of December 2005.

The International Year’s strapline ‘Earth Sciences for Society’ emphasises the principal ambition of the Year, which is to raise public awareness of the ways in which our science can help to make Planet Earth a safer, healthier and wealthier place for all. Our efforts will include persuading decision-makers, politicians and other community leaders to apply effectively the great store of  knowledge accumulated by the world’s half a million geoscientists.

The International Year has an exciting scientific programme. Ten societally relevant themes are open to high quality ‘bottom-up’ project proposals from earth science groups around the world for realisation through the International Year of Planet Earth.

It is heart warming to see the great enthusiasm of many geoscientific organisations who share our belief that this Initiative is both necessary and timely. Although it started as an international endeavour, the International Year will be successful only if implementation is effected also at national levels. We therefore invite you all to create national bodies and to work with us to make this the greatest (geo)show on Earth!

Eduardo F.J. de Mulder
Chairman of the Management Team of the International Year of Planet Earth)