In the most recent IUGS E-Bulletin, IUGS announced the passing of Prof. Zhang Hongren on July 16, 2016, on Beijing. He had been active with the organization since the 1990's, and served as the Secretary-General of the Organizing Committee of the 30th International Geological Congress that was held in Beijing in 1996. In addition to many accolades, it was under his leadership that IUGS promoted the International Year of Planet Earth. AGI echoes IUGS' condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.