"The Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS) presents a comprehensive, authoritative, and integrated body of knowledge of life support systems. It is a forward-looking publication, designed as a global guide to professional practice, education, and heightened social awareness of critical life support issues. The EOLSS is developed as a dependable source of knowledge for use in human endeavors aimed at development of remedial measures to counter the current practices, which imperil the Earth's essential life support systems. Natural and social sciences, humanities, engineering and technology, and management policies for sustainable use of life support systems are emphasized, together with issues of global change and their ecological, economic, social, ethical, cultural, and political dimensions. The EOLSS is intended to enhance the systematic development of knowledge that is essential for global stability, security, and peace. In particular, the EOLSS presents perspectives from worldwide regions and cultures, and is free from geographic, racial, cultural, political, gender, age, or religious bias."
In light of the global crisis and the imperative need for sustainable development, it's crucial to recognize the growing fragility of Earth's life support systems. This urgency was underscored by significant events such as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (the "Earth Summit") in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. During this historic gathering, some of the world's most esteemed scientists, including 102 Nobel Laureates from 70 countries, joined forces to issue a poignant warning to government leaders worldwide. Their collective voices echoed the stirring words of teenager Severn Cullis-Suzuki, whose impassioned speech at the summit captured the attention of the world. These events serve as powerful reminders of the responsibility we all share in safeguarding the future of our planet and the imperative need for concerted action to address the challenges of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
