Earth System Analysis for Sustainability

by Schellnhuber, Hans-Joachim

• ISBN13: 9780262195133
• ISBN10: 0262195135
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-11-01
• Publisher: MIT PRESS

Summary

Earth System Analysis for Sustainabilityuses an integrated systems approach to provide a panoramic view of planetary dynamics since the inception of life some four billion years ago and to identify principles for responsible management of the global environment in the future. Perceiving our planet as a single entity with hypercomplex, often unpredictable behavior, the authors use Earth system analysis to study global changes past and future. They explore the question of whether the unprecedented human-originated changes transforming the ecosphere today will end a 10,000-year period of climate stability. The book presents the complete story of the inseparably intertwined evolution of life and matter on Earth, focusing on four major topics: long-term geosphere-biosphere interaction and the possibility of using extrasolar planets to test various geophysical hypotheses; the Quaternary Earth System's modes of operation; current planetary dynamics under human pressure; and transition to global sustainability. Written by leading figures in the disciplines of geology, climatology, evolution, biogeochemistry, macroeconomics, and institutions theory, Earth System Analysis for Sustainabilityanalyzes the driving forces behind global change and uses this knowledge to propose principles to propose principles for global stewardship.

Table of Contents

Dahlem Workshops	vii
List of Participants	xi
Science for Global Sustainability: Toward a New Paradigm	1	(28)
W. C. Clark
P. J. Crutzen
H. J. Schellnhuber
What Does History Teach Us about the Major Transitions and Role of Disturbances in the Evolution of Life and of the Earth System?	29	(24)
T. M. Lenton
K. G. Caldeira
E. Szathmary
Is Life an Unavoidable Planetary Phenomenon Given the Right Conditions?	53	(20)
F. Westall
F. D. Drake
What Are the Necessary Conditions for Origin of Life and Subsequent Planetary Life-support Systems?	73	(18)
S.A. Franck
G. A. Zavarzin
Destiny of Humankind from an Astrobiology Point of View: Does Astrobiology Provide an Exit Option for Terrestrial Mismanagement?	91	(20)
G. Horneck
H.J. Schellnhuber
Group Report: Long-term Geosphere-Biosphere Coevolution and Astrobiology	111	(30)
T. M. Lenton
K. G. Caldeira
S. A. Franck
G. Horneck
A. Jolly
E. Rabbow
H. J. Schellnhuber
E. Szathmary
F. Westall
G. A. Zavarzin
H. Zimmermann-Timm
What Do We Know about Potential Modes of Operation of the Quaternary Earth System?	141	(16)
M. Claussen
H. Held
D.P. Schrag
Modes of Oceanic and Atmospheric Circulation during the Quaternary	157	(14)
S. Rahmstorf
F. Sirocko
What Is the Quaternary Phase-space Topology According to Cryosphere Dynamics?	171	(18)
A. J. Payne
Group Report: Possible States and Modes of Operation of the Quaternary Earth System	189	(22)
A.J. Watson
V. Brovkin
M. Claussen
P.G. Falkowski
H. Held
A.J. Payne
S. Rahmstorf
R. J. Scholes
D. P. Schrag
F. Sirocko
Human Footprints in the Ecological Landscape	211	(16)
P. G. Falkowski
D. Tchernov
How Humankind Came to Rival Nature: A Brief History of the Human-Environment Condition and the Lessons Learned	227	(18)
B. L. Turner II
S. R. McCandless
Anthropogenic Modification of Land, Coastal, and Atmospheric Systems as Threats to the Functioning of the Earth System	245	(20)
M. O. Andreae
L. Talaue-McManus
P. A. Matson
Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate in the Anthropocene: Where Are We Heading?	265	(28)
P. J. Crutzen
V. Ramanathan
Assessing and Simulating the Altered Functioning of the Earth System in the Anthropocene	293	(20)
P.M. Cox
N. Nakicenovic
Group Report: Earth System Dynamics in the Anthropocene	313	(28)
W. Steffen
M. O. Andreae
B. Bolin
P. M. Cox
P. J. Crutzen
U. Cubasch
H. Held
N. Nakicenovic
L. Talaue-McManus
B. L. Turner II
The Mental Component of the Earth System	341	(26)
W. Lucht
R. K. Pachauri
What Kind of System of Science (and Technology) Is Needed to Support the Quest for Sustainable Development?	367	(20)
G.C. Gallopin
Institutions, Science, and Technology in the Transition to Sustainability	387	(22)
R. B. Mitchell
P. Romero Lankao
Group Report: Sustainability	409	(26)
A. P. Kinzig
W. C. Clark
O. Edenhofer
G.C. Gallopin
W. Lucht
R. B. Mitchell
P. Romero Lankao
S. Sreekesh
C. Tickell
O. R. Young
Name Index	435	(8)
Subject Index	443