The last word
it – some four billion years hence and, fi rst
swelling to envelope the orbit of Mercury,
will burn life up. Meanwhile it is acceptable
human existence which is in peril and in
the immediate short term, geologically
speaking.
Urgent attention is necessary and this
is where IYPE can help with leadership
because across the whole world Earth
scientists share a common language which
is culture-free. This is a gigantic opportunity
for our world, divided as it is at present by
Earth science is learning
culturally based obsessions. Good science
more about natural
can, if allowed, direct our efforts towards the
disasters, like this tsunami.
real problems of long-term survival. The 10
research themes of IYPE cover most of the dramatic manifestations of the planet’s human populations (200,000 extra people
key physical components for our way back dynamic nature – our relevant theme being every day at the moment) combined with
to genuine sustainability. Their potential is ‘Hazards – minimising risks, maximising conventional economic growth is causing to
outlined in many of the other contributions awareness’. There is a natural fascination ecosystems whose health is essential if the
to this handbook. with such drama even as we recognise the Earth’s life support systems are to continue
One of the main purposes of IYPE is dangers. These are aspects of the Earth’s functioning. Biologists also know that
to show people some of the wonderful dynamic nature that we just have to accept nothing apart from ideas can go on growing
modern discoveries in Earth science, most whatever problems they may pose. They without checks and balances coming into
of which have been underplayed in the can also help to raise awareness about other play. This ought to be an encouraging
media. This is not just a matter of straight changes to the planet which, while they are message because, as that maverick Irish
education. It is another aspect of culture, less dramatic, are more insidious. Examples politician Edmund Burke declared at the end
intellectually stimulating but also enjoyable include the depletion of ground water, the of the eighteenth century, ‘You can never
and enriching. It can help powerfully with degradation of soils, over-exploitation plan the future by the past’. Many lessons
that much desired mind shift referred to of natural resources and global warming from Earth science and biology show
above. For example, the new discoveries which, although gradual, can cause far more how informed new thinking coupled with
about plate tectonics - activity within the problems than any sudden disaster. All of technological advance could offer plenty
crust and in the Earth’s mantle - have had these are phenomena over which humans of economic opportunities without overall
major consequences for our understanding have some infl uence; indeed we are the origin growth in resource consumption.
of earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes. of most of the problems which now exist. Life and the Earth have had interlocking
One active area of research linked to this There is much denial: surely the Earth histories for approaching four billion years.
new understanding is concerned with better will provide as it always has done and, The landscapes of the Earth’s surface
prediction of such violent events. It is easy anyway, there are so many poor societies reveal this everywhere and, striving to be
to engage the public’s attention with such that deserve to catch us up and rapidly. optimistic still, I believe this offers a crucial
However, quite conservative estimates point of contact with people at large. There
suggest that already we consume annually can be few who cannot relate to some part
resources about one-third higher than the of a landscape and our position in it. Each
Earth can regenerate. of us will have some special place we love
Good Earth science is essential for a and the natural beauty of the Earth can be
proper understanding, showing us how to a powerful motivator. Understanding its
reduce damage by conserving resources history, the interplay of physical and living
and warning us when limits are being components, including human infl uences,
approached. This is the key point, for too is fascinating in its own right. Research
few recognise that there are such limits and outreach through IYPE’s activities now
and the rich world still seeks ‘sustainable involve 82 countries. If for no other reason,
development’ which has become the enlightened self-interest should continue
acceptable term for perpetual growth. Here to unite us in the conservation of our only
it is important to enlist biologists in the home. ■
progress of IYPE (and one of our themes
We can no longer
is Earth and Life) because of the particular Aubrey Manning, Emeritus Professor, is
take the earth for perspective they can bring. Biologists are a renowned zoologist, and television and
granted.
acutely aware of the damage that rising radio broadcaster.
130 PLANET EARTH www.yearofplanetearth.org
PE29.afterword.kj.mw.indd 130 16/2/09 5:23:05 pm
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