years. the essp is particularly interested in human-driven changes, which are multi-dimensional and have a cascading effect on the earth system. these properties make them difficult to understand or predict. but integrated science approaches and the application of advanced modeling technologies are helping to develop a clearer picture of the past and project various scenarios for the future. we now have evidence to suggest that human activities could inadvertently trigger severe consequences for earth’s environment and habitat, potentially switching the earth system to alternative modes of operation that may prove irreversible and inhospitable to humans and other life. with your help, we are making the world a better place the essp’s activities recognize the need to build bridges across disciplines in order to truly understand our life support system and the impact humans are having on it. more to the point