地球系统科学是可持续发展战略的科学基础。它脱胎于气候系统研究，跨越一系列自然与社会科学，将全球变化与区域变化冶为一炉。所涵盖的时间自数十年至一二百年，在此时间尺度内，所涵盖的对象基本上是大气、海洋与陆地以及介于其间的物质能量交换过程。陆地最重要、最复杂、受人类活动的影响亦最大，目前未知数亦最多。宜先在跨学科的综合工作上多下功夫，积极推动陆地系统研究。

The framework of the young earth system science as the basis of strategies for sustainable development is discussed in conjunction with a brief account of its rise and development from studies onthe climatic system. There is the need for collaboration across the natural and social sciences. Integrated assessment of global and regional environmental changes is indispensable. When what can bedone to moderate or mitigate the impacts of these changes is under consideration.With regard tosustainable development, the time span is generally kept within one or two handred years.and theearth system involved consists of land, oceans and atmosphere together with the exchange of matterand energy across their interfaces.While land is the centre of socio-economic development and thescene of most complicated natural conditions,it lags behind in earth system research. Geographersare urged to make up the deficits.