Grand Challenges in Environmental 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 humanityaEURO (TM)s impact on the planet become increasingly evident, governments are realizing the critical importance of understanding these environmental systemsaEURO"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 bookaEURO (TM)s goal is not to list the worldaEURO (TM)s biggest environmental problems. Rather it is to determine areas of opportunity thataEURO"with a concerted investmentaEURO"could yield significant new findings. Nominations for environmental scienceaEURO (TM)s aEURO grandaEURO challenges were solicited from thousands of scientists worldwide. Based on their responses, eight major areas of focus were identifiedaEURO"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.