The 2007 Amsterdam Conference on the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change: Earth System Governance

The 2007 Amsterdam Conference on the Human Dimensions of Global Environ­mental Change is the latest in the emerging series of European conferences on human dimensions research. This series began in 2001 with the first Berlin Conference on the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change. The 2007 Amsterdam Conference will bring about the Europeanisation of this successful conference cycle. The European conferences are mid-size annual events (much smaller than Open Meetings of IHDP or IGBP) of about 150 international participants, selected through rigorous international peer review. Each conference has a clear thematic focus that allows for intense exchange and discussion. Conference themes are selected with a view to bringing new and emerging topics to the European and global debate, thus ensuring the con­tinuous innovative thrust of the conference series. Special conference features, in­cluding panels on teaching and targeted programmes for doctoral students, add to its innovative character.

The European Conferences on the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change are endorsed by the Inter­national Human Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change (IHDP) and the World Academy of Art and Science. The International Steering Committee ensures close integration with the overarching Earth System Science Programme and other networks, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.