National Committee for Earth System Science

The National Committee for Earth System Science (NCESS) has a top level aim to foster the development of a coherent community of Earth systems science (ESS) research in Australia. It also provides general functions of an Academy National Committee relevant to Earth system science, including representation and facilitation of core disciplinary components such as atmospheric and ocean sciences, as well as cross-disciplinary aspects of ESS.

The core objectives of the committee derive from the NCESS Plan 2010 To live within Earth’s limits: An Australian plan to develop a science of the whole Earth system. Other broad aims include communication and reporting of Earth system science, advocacy for the funding needs of the ESS community, championing the ESS agenda and promoting Australian connections to international Earth system science. The NCESS Plan envisages development of a broader cross-academy approach to ESS in Australia that meshes with the new Future Earth initiative of the International Council for Science (ICSU).