傅伯杰院士：立足黄土高原 服务国家战略

Core Viewpoint - The development of Earth system science should integrate geographical thinking, atmospheric science, and systematic scientific methods to construct a coupling mechanism between ecology and economics, effectively serving national strategic needs and providing solid support for sustainable development strategies [1]. Group 1: Earth System Science Development - Earth system science should combine various disciplinary knowledge and research methods to address complex issues and provide scientific evidence for ecological restoration [1][4]. - The integration of geography with other disciplines, such as mathematics, physics, and information technology, has transformed geography from a descriptive discipline to a predictive modern science [7][8]. Group 2: Research Focus and Findings - Significant findings from research on the Loess Plateau include the main reasons for the reduction of sediment in the Yellow River, the trade-offs in ecosystem services, and the universality of small watershed governance [12][13]. - Recent research has focused on optimizing and balancing carbon sequestration, soil and water conservation, and water source conservation in the Loess Plateau [13][14]. Group 3: Global Drought Ecosystem Initiative - A global scientific initiative on drought ecosystems was launched based on research experiences from the Loess Plateau, aiming to address land degradation and water resource shortages in arid regions worldwide [17]. - The initiative covers priority research areas such as dynamic changes in arid ecosystems, structural and functional changes, and ecosystem management for sustainable livelihoods [17]. Group 4: Geographic Education and Talent Development - Geographic education should be continuous and focused, starting from early education to cultivate interest and understanding of geography [21][22]. - The qualities needed for geographic research include interdisciplinary skills and systematic thinking to address complex human-environment systems [23].