The International Council for Science (ICSU) and the International Social Science Council (ISSC) have voted to merge into a single organization representing social and natural sciences. The merger is expected to be completed by October 2018, with a unified global voice and institutional structure.
The International Year of Global Understanding aims to foster smart policies by promoting better understanding of local impacts on the global. Activities include research projects, educational programmes, and information campaigns to translate scientific insight into sustainable lifestyles.
The proposed SDGs lack clear, measurable targets, posing challenges to achieving policy objectives. The report highlights the need for better integration and interlinking of goals to avoid trade-offs and unintended consequences.
The summit marked a turning point in global awareness of the importance of credible science in public policy making. Key findings include the need for international collaboration, the role of early career scientists, and the value of involving policymakers and the public in shaping science advice.
Experts warn of substantial economic losses from ocean acidification, with declines in shellfisheries and tropical coral reefs expected. Reducing carbon dioxide emissions can slow acidification and protect some ecosystems.
The International Council for Science recommends six new Sustainable Development Goals that integrate planetary stability with poverty eradication. The goals aim to alleviate poverty while protecting the Earth's life support system, which is facing increasing threats from climate change and environmental degradation.
Future Earth, a 10-year initiative, will unify and scale up existing global environmental change activities to deliver solution-oriented research in partnership with society. The platform aims to address critical social and environmental challenges through interdisciplinary research.
The International Council for Science has identified five Grand Challenges in Earth system science to address global sustainability. These challenges focus on improving forecasting, observing, confining, responding, and innovating to achieve global sustainability.
The International Polar Year 2007-2008 provided critical evidence of global warming's impact on polar regions, including sea ice decline and increased ice sheet melting. Researchers also discovered significant carbon storage in permafrost and changes in Arctic vegetation affecting local ecosystems.
The International Council for Science (ICSU) aims to create a global virtual library for scientific data to address inadequate current networks and ensure inter-disciplinary research. The new system will provide quality assurance, promote data publishing, and facilitate access to valuable scientific data.
The International Council for Science (ICSU) emphasizes the need for natural and social sciences to collaborate on key research challenges. ICSU's report highlights the importance of integrating social sciences into its Strategic Plan to address global issues such as climate change, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.
The International Council for Science reaffirmed the universal values guiding scientific conduct amid recent cases of misconduct. The new booklet emphasizes scientists' key social responsibilities, including honesty, integrity, and respect for others.
The International Council for Science has launched a 10-year research program to address the gaps in knowledge and methods preventing effective application of science to mitigate disasters. The program aims to provide enhanced global capacity to address hazards and make better decisions to reduce their impacts.
The ICSU has approved a major international research programme to study the relationship between humans and ecosystems. The programme aims to provide scientific knowledge needed for sustainable use of valuable ecosystems.
The International Council of Science (ICSU) has launched a new Regional Office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to promote science development in Asia and the Pacific. The office aims to strengthen the voice of developing countries in international settings and support collaboration for socioeconomic development.
The International Council for Science urges its members to reaffirm commitment to the 'Universality of Science' due to growing restrictions on scientific freedoms. The principle emphasizes freedom of movement, association, expression, and access to data and research materials.
A new report from ICSU recommends establishing an international scientific data forum to promote coordinated data collection and distribution. The report identifies key challenges, including inadequate legal frameworks, preservation, and archiving of data, which exacerbate inequities between scientists in rich and poor nations.
The International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008 aims to analyze environmental and economic importance of polar regions. Scientists from around the world have submitted over 1000 research proposals, focusing on global climate change, ocean circulation, and human activities.
The International Council for Science (ICSU) has launched a new strategy to strengthen international science, focusing on interdisciplinary research in areas such as sustainable development and natural disasters. The plan aims to improve communication between scientists and policymakers, and promote the sharing of findings and data.
The ICSU Scoping Group on Human-Induced Environmental Hazards aims to provide a strong scientific basis for reducing risks and consequences of natural hazards. Recent disasters show a dramatic increase in natural disasters, causing significant economic loss and human displacement.
The International Council for Science (ICSU) has released a report synthesizing over 50 science-based reviews on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food and agriculture. The report addresses key questions on the safety, environmental impact, and regulations of GM foods.
The International Council for Science (ICSU) has established a new 'Science for Sustainable Development' programme to address economic, environmental and social issues. Regional offices will support knowledge exchange and facilitate the development of traditional knowledge in agriculture, biodiversity and traditional medicine.
The International Council for Science (ICSU) examines current threats to scientific freedom and proposes recommendations to address visa restrictions and promote international collaboration. ICSU emphasizes the need for scientists to recognize their responsibilities and provide adequate information for processing visa applications.