Five decades ago scientists and policymakers embarked on a remarkable experiment in international cooperation: the International Geophysical Year of 1957–58. That successful effort gave birth to the space age, launched the World Data Center system, made a commitment to free exchange of geophysical data, and put in place an observatory structure that serves the scientific community to this day. The anniversary years of 2007–08 are widely known as the “IGY + 50” period.
Demographers tell us that there were 2.9 billion people on Earth in 1957. Today there are more than 6.8 billion people. The world of 50 years ago was dangerously divided into two major political blocs that competed militarily, socially, and ideologically. In many ways, only science provided a common ground for communication and a forum for cooperation. The IGY recognized that all people live in one world. It made clear that we have to study the Earth,...
