As these markets have aided the development and distribution of resources, so also must efficient ways be found to deal with shortages and to protect the system from damaging exploitation. Only through an understanding of resource renewal and consumption rates, and a reassessment of cultural values can necessary balances be developed. Earth system science provides a scientific context for understanding this global issue in which we all have a stake. The organizing power of the evolutionary paradigm, so clearly recognized by Dobzhansky, is paralleled by the organizing power of an Earth system perspective. Similarly, most aspects of the Earth are explainable in the context of the Earth system operating over time.
Climate variability is a good example of the clarifying power of the Earth system approach.
Climate is influenced by the solar flux, our distance from the Sun, and properties and processes in various parts of the Earth system. The climate can be changed on different timescales by different processes in the Earth system. On the 100,000-100,000,000 year timescale, changes in the distribution of continents and oceans may be important. On the billion year timescale, interactions between the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, and solid Earth have produced major modifications of these subsystems, while feedback among them has resulted in remarkable climatic and environmental stability. The Earth system approach provides the context for understanding the relationships between timescale and system components that result in climate change.