Abstract
Earth System Science has developed over the last two decades from an interesting concept in Earth sciences education to a fully integrative science focussed on understanding the complex system Earth. This evolution is partially due to the radical and far reaching anthropogenic changes and the general feeling of helplessness with regards to the possible consequences and future impacts on the Earth System. This paper proposes that a paradigm shift in undergraduate and graduate education is needed to further develop Earth System Science. Graduate programs such as the Earth System Science Research School (ESSReS), which are intrinsically trans- and interdisciplinary will help to change rigid subject specific mind-set among faculty and students. The health and sustainability of our planet is at stake.
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Notes
- 1.
Goldilocks planet may be just right for life—space—25 April 2007—New Scientist. http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn11710#.U-sd04CSwRo.
- 2.
Earth System Science. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_system_science.
- 3.
IPCC—Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. http://www.ipcc.ch/.
- 4.
Bonn climate change conference—June (2014). http://unfccc.int/meetings/bonn_jun_2014/meeting/8031.php.
- 5.
Earth System Science Courses. http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/earthsystem/nutshell/courses.html.
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Unnithan, V. et al. (2015). Earth System Science—Past Experiences and Future Trends. In: Lohmann, G., Meggers, H., Unnithan, V., Wolf-Gladrow, D., Notholt, J., Bracher, A. (eds) Towards an Interdisciplinary Approach in Earth System Science. Springer Earth System Sciences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-13865-7_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-13865-7_1
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