International Year of Planet Earth
In 2008, UNESCO and the International Union of Geological Sciences will launch the International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE). The IYPE was proclaimed for 2008 by the General Assembly of the United Nations in its Plenary Session on the 22nd of December 2005.  The aim of the IYPE is to demonstrate new and exciting ways in which Earth sciences can help future generations meet the challenges involved in ensuring a safer and more prosperous world.  One of the 10 themes of IYPE is dedicated to past and recent climate change.  The achievement of this aim will be supported by two major programmes: Outreach Programme including educational ventures at all levels; and Science Programmes concentrating on 'big issues' of complex interaction within the Earth system, and its long-term sustainability.  The initiative will seek to raise the awareness of the contribution to, and role of the Earth sciences in society in the minds of politicians, decision-makers, the media and the general public.  During the coming year, over 50 countries will organize information activities on the geological and climatological evolution of our planet.

UNESCO Sector: Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences
Responsible Staff:  Robert Missotten, Margarete Patzak
More information:http://www.unesco.org/science/earth/iype.shtml