Planet Earth International 2009

of politicians and other decision makers. in securing a healthy
The National IYPE Committees, now Earth system that is vital
numbering 74 (representing 79% of the to informed planning of
world’s population) are increasingly active sustainable development
in achieving that aim at present. in the face of challenges —
These National Committees operate including climatic change.
under the umbrella of the International He laid great emphasis on
Year of Planet Earth Corporation, which the serious implications
facilitates and supports activities by the of the fact that in rich
National Committees. In addition, the IYPE and poor countries alike
Corporation organises major international the numbers of students
events, always in close cooperation with studying science continue
the National Committees. The International to decline. This threat to
Year’s Global Launch Event held on 12 the survival of university
and 13 February 2008 at UNESCO’s geology departments,
headquarters in Paris, France, is a ﬁ ne if not reversed, will
example of such activity in which the French effectively cut off from
National Committee played a major role in society the Earth scientists
Preparation Team – Global
Launch Event.
the Organising Committee. of the future in a world
The aim of the Global Launch Event was to in which the demand for
carry the message of the International Year sources of energy and raw materials will be using science to minimise the impact of
to decision makers and the public at large, with us for many decades to come as world both natural and human-induced risks. In
stressing the need to make fuller use of the population approaches nine billion by 2050. his presentation, Larry Woodfork, Chair
knowledge and outcomes of Earth science In his welcoming words Matsuura stressed of the Board of the IYPE, emphasised the
when framing planning and management the magnitude of society’s dependence on importance of the 10 themes of the IYPE —
decisions. The skills and products of Earth the Earth sciences on a day-to-day basis. Earth and Life; Climate; Health; Resources;
science are vital to the sustainable use of Megacities; Geohazards; Groundwater; Soil;
Earth’s resources, with the aim of making
»The skills and
Deep Earth, and Ocean — and the potential
the world a healthier, wealthier and safer of outreach activities that should extend
place for all.
products of the Earth
well beyond the formal closure of the IYPE
Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General
sciences are vital to
triennium in December 2009.
of UNESCO, addressed the audience of
the sustainable use
Jean-Pierre Jouyet, Minister of State in
almost 1,000 participants. He emphasised the French Ministry of Foreign and European
the fundamental role of the Earth sciences
of Earth’s resources,
Affairs, drew attention to the need for the
with the aim of
combination of a changing climate and a
Director-
burgeoning world population to be viewed
General,
making the world a
as a priority for the French Presidency of the
Koïchiro healthier, wealthier and European Union in the second half of 2008.
Matsuura.
safer place for all of
He noted the signiﬁ cant contribution already
humankind.
made to the IYPE by French geoscientists
and wished the venture, which also marks
the opening of the IYPE in France, every
For this reason, he saw the Global Launch success.
Event as a peak achievement by the world’s A clear awareness of the character of the
geoscientists, constituting as it does a IYPE and the need for outreach initiatives
fundamental starting point in improving of this kind was evident in the statement
understanding of the richness and diversity by Tora Aasland, Minister of Research and
of Earth science by the global community. Higher Education, Norway, who announced
Zhang Hongren (P.R. China), as the full commitment to, and considerable
current President of the International Union ﬁ nancial support for, the activities of the
of Geological Sciences (IUGS), spoke of IYPE in Norway, including support for
the need for both leaders and the public the International Secretariat. In his ﬁ ve
to make optimal use of the Earth sciences statements Hany Helal, Minister of Research
in protecting the Earth system. This is and Higher Education of Egypt endorsed
best done by adopting wise practices this conceptual view. He shared with the
and protecting the Earth’s inhabitants by audience Egypt’s ambitions to arrive at 20%
24 PLANET EARTH www.yearofplanetearth.org
PE6.intern.overview.kj.mw.indd 24 12/2/09 5:30:45 pm
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