As the latest issue of Science points out, just 25 years ago human-induced climate change was unknown outside limited scientific circles, but is now a national priority; what should the research agenda be for the future of our planet?

Given increasing concern and public and private willingness to take action against global environmental change, what question is most important for earth system research to answer in the next decade? The International Council for Science (ICSU) and International Social Science Council (ISSC) are asking scientists, decision-makers, environmentalists, and the public this question as part of a consultation process taking place from July 15 to  August 15.   If effectively addressed, this research can provide answers relevant to decision-makers concerned with global environmental change and human well-being. Ideally, these questions should yield results in a 10-year time-frame.

The Earth System Visioning process is designed to find answers by first collecting the broad spectrum of different views across disciplines and parts of the world and then focusing these down through a peer review process into a set of major international research priorities. The first step is to identify the breadth of perspectives on the critical themes in Earth system research.

You can contribute your question or vote on those proposed at http://www.icsu-visioning.org/