AGI Becomes Founding Partner of the International Year of Planet Earth

Alexandria, VA - The American Geological Institute (AGI) is looking forward to enhancing the breadth of participation and perspective in the development of the International Year of Planet Earth (YPE) initiative. As the first U.S. organization to become a founding partner of the YPE, AGI will significantly benefit the U.S. geoscience community by giving U.S. geoscientists access to the conceptual and operational aspects of IYPE.

AGI’s Executive Committee voted on June 19 to become a founding partner of YPE. This involvement will demonstrate AGI’s preparedness to invest in international geoscience operations and activities. “AGI’s active involvement would guarantee a truly global balance in the science and outreach programs of TYPE,” says Stephen Testa, president of AGI.

YPE was initiated by the International Union of Geological Sciences (UGS), and working through UNESCO will put forward a formal proposal at the next General Assembly of the United Nations in New York to designate 2008 as the International Year of Planet Earth. This endeavor brings together numerous geoscience organizations and individuals from around the world in an effort to increase public awareness of earth sciences in society, and to coordinate key research efforts to address society’s pressing issues, such as sustainable development and responsible stewardship of the planet.

Joining the other founding partners including AGI member society, The Geological Society of London, and 18 associate partners, AGI will be involved in supporting the activities needed to make YPE possible financially and strategically.