摘要
The following article sets forth the conceptual strategic framework that guided the organization and planning of the recent, highly successful 32nd International Geological Congress, held in Florence, Italy, August 20-28, 2004. This vision of the desired future state of the Earth sciences is presented here in order to extend significantly its distribution beyond the 7000+ Congress participants. Earth scientists around the worm are encouraged to consider, digest, and discuss its observations, conclusions, and recommendations to improve the relevance and sharpen the focus of current and future activities in the Earth sciences. [Originally published in the daily newspaper of the Congress, ""32nd IGC INFORMS,"" No. 9, August 28, 2004, and distributed to Congress participants. Available also on the lUGS website.]
