Earth system analysis for sustainability

Bibliographic Information

Earth system analysis for sustainability

edited by Hans Joachim Schellnhuber ... [et al.] ; program advisory committee, Hans Joachim Schellnhuber ... [et al.]

MIT Press in cooperation with Dahlem University Press, c2004

Available at  / 7 libraries

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Note

"Report of the 91st Dahlem Workshop on Earth system analysis for sustainability, Berlin, May 25-30, 2003"--Added t.p

Other editors: Paul J. Crutzen, William C. Clark, Martin Claussen, and Hermann Held

Other program advisory committee: Paul J. Crutzen, William C. Clark, Martin Claussen, Hermann Held, Tim M. Lenton, and Will Steffen

Includes bibliographical references and indexes

Description and Table of Contents

Description

Demonstrates how understanding the intertwined evolution of the Earth's geosphere and biosphere can contribute to the achievement of global sustainability. Earth System Analysis for Sustainability uses an integrated systems approach to provide a panoramic view of planetary dynamics since the inception of life some four billion years ago and to identify principles for responsible management of the global environment in the future. Perceiving our planet as a single entity with hypercomplex, often unpredictable behavior, the authors use Earth system analysis to study global changes past and future. They explore the question of whether the unprecedented human-originated changes transforming the ecosphere today will end a 10,000-year period of climate stability. The book presents the complete story of the inseparably intertwined evolution of life and matter on Earth, focusing on four major topics: long-term geosphere-biosphere interaction and the possibility of using extrasolar planets to test various geophysical hypotheses; the Quaternary Earth System's modes of operation; current planetary dynamics under human pressure; and transition to global sustainability. Written by leading figures in the disciplines of geology, climatology, evolution, biogeochemistry, macroeconomics, and institutions theory, Earth System Analysis for Sustainability analyzes the driving forces behind global change and uses this knowledge to propose principles to propose principles for global stewardship.

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