The planet is in our hands

2008 is the International Year of Planet Earth, imposed by the United Nations. According to the UN, the planet's future is in our hands, so the International Year will support research projects in ten areas of Geosciences essential for the survival of the human race. See what these issues and seek to collaborate on what is possible for you to preserve the nature and conditions of life on Earth.1. Groundwater - reservoir for a thirsty planet?Almost all the potential of drinking water on Earth exists as groundwater. Worldwide, geoscientists are using techniques of exploration and production, and a better understanding of the dynamics of natural water reservoirs to meet this precious resource.2. Hazards - minimizing risk, maximizing awareness.The Earth can be a dangerous place, making it sometimes even more perilous by human intervention. It is essential to a correct assessment of geological threats to communicate the risks to the population and to reduce the tragedies.3. Earth and Health - building a safer environmentAll city dwellers are responsible for environmental conditions and hence the health of society. Notice how much you pollute the environment where he lives.4. Climate change - records on the rocksClimatic changes are preserved in various types of sedimentary rocks. But these records, which help to understand how the climate works, are rare and precious and must be retained before development destroys them forever.
 5. Resources - the sustainable useMankind has a responsibility to use these resources wisely, or find new ways, cleaner use of energy.6. Megacities - our global futureUrban areas, often concentrated in limited areas along the coast, are running out of capacity expansion and land prices increase to very high values. Modern architecture tends to change the building height for depth. This is more expensive in the short term but more sustainable in the long term.7. Interior of the Earth - from crust to coreThroughout its long history and evolution of Earth is quite a powerful machine thermodynamics. The Earth consists of a core of nickel and iron, a mantle, shows that despite strong convective movements that move the crustal plates, this motor is what gives life to our planet.8. Ocean - abyss of timeThe oceans hold the explanation of the workings of the earth. Increased knowledge about them has revolutionized our understanding of the planet, but you also need to discover the rational use of the oceans to the benefit of mankind.9. Solo - Skin of the EarthSoils are the primary support system of life and human welfare. They provide anchorage for roots, retain water long enough for it to be used by plants and hold nutrients for life - without soil, the Earth's landscape would be as barren as Mars.10. Earth and Life - origins of diversityThe evolution of life and biosphere began about 4.2 billion years and there are about 2.7 billion years, life has triggered significant changes in the atmosphere, oceans and lithosphere.

Ana Alice