What is Earth System Science?

Understanding global environmental issues such as global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion and worldwide air pollution requires the cooperation of scientists across many disciplines. Global change is projected to accelerate through the 21st century and will impact the ecosystems that preserve the habitability of the planet. The Department of Earth System Science focuses on the atmosphere, land and oceans - how they interact as a system - and how the Earth will change over a human lifetime. The Department of Earth System Science is loosely grouped into three categories: Atmospheric Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles, and Physical Climate.