The Earth Institute blends research in the physical and social sciences, education and practical solutions to help guide the world onto a path toward sustainability. Science + Collaboration + Education + Impact = Sustainability The world's population is expected to increase to nine billion by 2050. Human activity and the desire for economic improvement are straining the planet's resources, threatening the health of our environment and ability to thrive. Managing those pressures will require the best understanding of the Earth’s ecological and environmental systems, and an ongoing effort to bring that knowledge to bear on public and private policymaking.