Programmes initiated by the International Council of Science on Earth System studies.

Major Programmes Initiated by ICSU/ISC for Earth System Studies

ICSU/ISC has spearheaded several pivotal programs, evolving over time to address emerging scientific questions and societal needs.

1. International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) (1987-2015)

IGBP was a foundational program, established in 1987, that aimed to understand the interactive processes between the Earth’s biological, chemical, and physical components. It focused on global change research, encompassing areas like carbon cycling, land-atmosphere interactions, and marine biogeochemistry. IGBP’s research significantly advanced our understanding of the Earth’s climate system and the impact of human activities on the environment.

• Key Projects: PAGES (Past Global Changes), LOICZ (Land-Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone), DIVERSITAS (Biodiversity research).
• Impact: Provided crucial data and models used in the IPCC assessments.

2. World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) (1980 - Present)

Established in 1980, WCRP remains a core ICSU/ISC program. It coordinates international climate research, focusing on understanding the climate system and predicting future climate change. WCRP’s work is essential for informing climate policy and adaptation strategies.

• Core Projects: CLIVAR (Climate Variability and Predictability), CMIP (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project), CORDEX (Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment).
• Impact: Provides the scientific basis for climate models used globally. CMIP6, for example, is a key component of the IPCC AR6 report.

3. Earth System Science Partnership (ESSP) (1999-2015)

ESSP was a collaborative initiative bringing together IGBP, WCRP, and DIVERSITAS to promote integrated Earth System research. It aimed to address complex global environmental challenges through interdisciplinary approaches.

• Focus: Facilitated joint projects and workshops to foster collaboration between different Earth System science communities.
• Outcome: Strengthened the integration of natural and social science perspectives in global change research.

4. Future Earth (2013 - Present)

Future Earth, launched in 2013, represents the next generation of global environmental change research. It builds on the legacy of ESSP and aims to provide knowledge and solutions for sustainable development. Future Earth emphasizes co-design of research with stakeholders and focuses on transformative pathways to sustainability.

• Key Themes: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Climate Action, Biodiversity, Water, Food.
• Global Hubs: Operates through a network of global hubs and regional centers.

5. Urban Health and Climate Resilience (UHCR) (2016 - Present)

Recognizing the growing importance of urban areas in the Earth System, UHCR focuses on understanding the complex interactions between urban environments, human health, and climate change. It promotes research on climate-resilient urban development and health equity.

• Focus Areas: Heat waves, air pollution, vector-borne diseases, urban food systems.
• Partnerships: Collaborates with cities and local governments to implement research findings.

Programme	Establishment	Focus	Current Status
IGBP	1987	Geosphere-Biosphere Interactions	Completed (2015) - Legacy continues through Future Earth
WCRP	1980	Climate System Research	Ongoing
ESSP	1999	Integrated Earth System Research	Completed (2015) - Legacy continues through Future Earth
Future Earth	2013	Sustainable Development	Ongoing