Our science is developing a new structure characterized by recognition that
the Earth is a large, complex, interactive dynamic system in which all the processes that give it
shape and form and that control its climate system are interdependent. Second, and perhaps
more profound, is the recognition that global-scale processes not only affect human activity
but are affected by it. The tenor of much Earth science research is shifting toward integrated
approaches based on global-scale, interdisciplinary studies that account for the observed
behavior of the whole Earth system, including biological phenomena and the linkages to
socioeconomic processes. We are beginning to ask new questions, such as: "Can we manage
the Earth to benefit humanity without causing its destabilization?" --JOHN C. MUTTER
INSIDE BIOSPHERE 2
New challenges, new partnership:
LDEO and Bio2
by John C. Mutter
Columbia's agricultural research:
high-stakes forecasting for the future
by Scott
Veggeberg
The liberal sciences: a core curriculum for
a green future
by Debra Colodner and Joshua
Tosteson
Interpreting the Cathedral of Gaia: the
working lab as cultural icon
by Bill Millard
