Themes

4.1       The Earth System

Properties, components, function, thermodynamics, interaction between biotic and abiotic parameters; ecosystem diversity as a factor affecting properties and function of the Earth system; extrapolation of knowledge from paleo-climatology; geological and human time scales; physical & biological resilience; the Gaia vision

4.2       From unintended to planned interventions into the Earth System

Desires, needs, possibilities, advantages, limits, risks, dangers, criteria for selection of        appropriate physical and chemical, ecological, economic and social,  and ethical parameters; the planet as a laboratory; end-of -pipe approaches versus recovery and reuse; learning from nature as a paradigm; holistic requirements   

4.3       The socio-economic dimension

Gains and side effects of interventions into the Earth system on economy and society; mitigation and adaptation; intergenerational responsibilities; concepts or risk reduction; prevention, precaution and resilience; costs of action versus non-action

4.4       The ethical dimension

Benefits and drawbacks of the anthropocentric world view; who is in command, man or Gaia? harmony seeking versus exploitation of natural, social and economic resources; the sustainability axiom and its importance; geo-responsibility as guiding principle; accountability of political decision making;  impacts on fairness, social justice and international development; humans versus nature: a new philosophical debate

4.5       From knowledge to action

How do we transfer knowledge about complex interrelationships into the process of decision making? Innovative methods of dissemination of information; how to deal with individual stakeholder interests in a world of rapid change in direction unfavorable of man and maybe even for life on Earth? What is more appropriate: top-down or bottom-up information streams? Children as transmission belts of knowledge and information transfer? Press media as drivers?