State of the Planet Conference

Columbia University Earth Instiute and The Economist

Some of the world's most influential thinkers and scientists will gather in New York March 27-28 for the 5th biennial State of the Planet Conference, sponsored by Columbia University's Earth Institute and The Economist magazine. Former U.N. secretary general Kofi Annan will give the keynote, followed by economist Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Earth Institute. The two-day conference brings together top scientists in earth studies, engineering, biology, economics and health, along with leaders in media, government and nongovernmental organizations, to assess the state of human and natural systems, and discuss how humanity can move toward a sustainable future. Five significant new books will be featured, including Dr. Sachs's just-published "Common Wealth." For full schedule, and details of live webcast of the event, go to: www.stateoftheplanet.org.

Among questions that panels will cover:

• Can we fight poverty as populations of poor countries expand?

• Are more Darfur-like conflicts coming?

• What new practical energy solutions may help the environment?

• What is being done to cope with the effects of a melting Arctic?

On the first evening of the conference, The Economist will host a debate: Can the United States ever play a positive role in climate change?