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Senior U.S. Official Announces Washington's Plan for a Global Water Conference and Addresses UNESCO's Year of Planet Earth Symposium
February, 2008
Integrated Science in the Everglades
Integrated Science in the Everglades
© USGS

Dr. Mark Myers, Director of the U.S. Geological Survey, addressed the UN International Year of Planet Earth kickoff at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on February 13th. He highlighted several important trends likely to affect our relationship with the planet over the coming decades. He noted that “The impact of humans on the planet has expanded to the extent that we live in what could be called the “Anthropocene” – a new geologic epoch in which humankind has emerged as a globally important force capable of reshaping the earth, capable of depleting or threatening many of the earth’s resources.” Dr. Myers also addressed climate change, sustainable development, and resource availability.

Noting the current and looming shortages of drinking water, Dr. Myers announced a high-level, NSF-sponsored conference to focus on increasing the water supplies. Issues such as water supply assessment, management, and purification will be addressed at the conference, to be held on June 27, 2008 at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. The UNESCO Director General Koïchiro Matsuura, U.S. Ambassador to UNESCO Louise Oliver, and high-level technical experts are expected to attend.



Links

Edited Remarks Accompanying Dr. Myers' PowerPoint Presentation

Official website of the International Year of Planet Earth

Detailed description of IYPE and UNESCO involvement

Declaration presented at the Global Launch Event of the International Year of Planet Earth

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