2008: The United Nations' International Year of Planet Earth
In January 2006, the United Nations announced that 2008 would be the International Year of Planet Earth.
The aim of the International Year of Planet Earth is to show the world the innovative and exciting ways in which Earth Sciences are helping future generations meet the challenges of creating a safer and more prosperous world. The year will also raise the awareness of the contribution to, and role of that Earth Sciences play in society.
As part of the celebrations, Governments will be urged to pay greater attention to how Earth Sciences affect the many aspects of everyday living, with particular reference to its applications in educational systems, governmental legislation and civil regulations.
Organisers, the Earth Sciences for Society, hope to raise $(US) 20 million from industry and governments, half of which will be spent on co-funding research and half on outreach activities so that non-scientific audiences can gain a greater appreciation of Earth Sciences.
The year aims to be the biggest ever international effort to promote the Earth Sciences with activities planned to occur over a three year period that involve geoscience communities worldwide.
If you are interested in proposing either a research or outreach project under the International Year of Planet Earth banner, download the Expression of Interest Form. For more information about International Year of the Planet, visit: http://www.yearofplanetearth.org/
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