First World Young Earth Scientists (YES) Congress to be held 25-28 October 2009

Alexandria, VA — The Young Earth Scientists for Society (YES) network, an association of earth scientists under the age of 35 years representing geological societies from around the world, in collaboration with the International Year of Planet Earth, is organizing a world congress for young earth scientists, policy makers, advisors and decision makers.

The conference will discuss global climate, environmental and geological challenges facing today’s society, and establish an interdisciplinary global network of individuals committed to solving these challenges.

The YES Congress will be held at the China University of Geosciences, in Beijing, China from 25-28 October 2009. Abstracts for contributed oral presentations, poster presentations, and roundtable symposia will be accepted until 30 March 2009. For more information visit http://www.yescongress2009.org/index.php.

The International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE)

The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed January 2007 to December 2009 as the International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE). The proclamation of the year has served as a contribution to the UN sustainable development targets because it promotes sustainable use of Earth’s resources and encourages better planning and management to reduce risks for the world’s inhabitants. Making earth science knowledge accessible and promoting the development of the upcoming generation of earth-system scientists are two key goals of IYPE. The YES Congress is committed to forming an international network of young earth scientists, future policy makers, industry leaders, and media representatives to work together to solve the environmental challenges facing today’s society.