Grand Challenges in Environmental Sciences

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• Publisher: National Academies Press
• Year: 2001
• eBook ISBN: 9780309171519
• Edition: 0
• Topic: Biological Sciences
• Index: Biological Sciences

Scientists have long sought to unravel the fundamental mysteries of the land, life, water, and air that surround us. But as the consequences of humanitys impact on the planet become increasingly evident, governments are realizing the critical importance of understanding these environmental systems"e;and investing billions of dollars in research to do so. To identify high-priority environmental science projects, Grand Challenges in Environmental Sciences explores the most important areas of research for the next generation. The books goal is not to list the worlds biggest environmental problems. Rather it is to determine areas of opportunity that"e;with a concerted investment"e;could yield significant new findings. Nominations for environmental sciences grand challenges were solicited from thousands of scientists worldwide.Based on their responses, eight major areas of focus were identified"e;areas that offer the potential for a major scientific breakthrough of practical importance to humankind, and that are feasible if given major new funding. The book further pinpoints four areas for immediate action and investment.

Table of contents

• COVER PAGE
• THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES
• COMMITTEE ON GRAND CHALLENGES IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
• OVERSIGHT COMMISSION FOR THE COMMITTEE ON GRAND CHALLENGES IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
• Preface
• Contents
• Executive Summary
• 1 Introduction
• 2 The Grand Challenges
• 3 Recommended Immediate Research Investments
• 4 Implementation Issues
• References
• Appendix A Letter of Solicitation
• Appendix B