Global change, inter-sphere interaction and Earth system science

doi:10.13745/j.esf.sf.2025.3.88

Abstract

Abstract:

Global change is the result of the synergistic interaction between natural processes and human activities, representing a structural transformation of the Earth system dominated by human actions. Its core lies in the contradiction between the Earth system’s limited carrying capacity and humanity’s unlimited developmental demands, manifesting as changes in climate, ecosystems, and socio-economic systems. Interactions among the Earth’s spheres are key drivers of global change. Precise analysis and prediction of the mechanisms, dynamic evolution, and corresponding climatic, environmental, and ecological effects of these interactions can help uncover the underlying mechanisms of global change, accurately assess the risks of abrupt shifts in the Earth system, and design feasible pathways for sustainable development. This special issue focuses on cutting-edge scientific questions related to global change and inter-sphere interactions, elaborating on mechanisms of critical interfacial processes of the Earth system and their feedback relationships with human activities through Earth system observation, modeling, and governance. The collection reviews the current state of development and progress in research on global change and inter-sphere interactions, identifies challenges and frontier scientific issues in Earth system science, and outlines future directions. The aim is to provide robust theoretical support for addressing global change, fostering harmonious humans-nature coexistence, and achieving sustainable development of socio-ecological systems.

Key words: Earth system science, global change, inter-sphere interactions, harmonious humans-nature coexistence, sustainable development

CLC Number:

Liu Cong-Qiang. Global change, inter-sphere interaction and Earth system science[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2025, 32(3): 1-6.

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