Humans & Biosphere (HABCOM)

Humans & Biosphere (HABCOM)

The Humans and Biosphere Commission (HABCOM) promotes cross-disciplinary research on human-environment interactions and responses during Quaternary climate and environmental changes.

HABCOM focuses on understanding the dynamical relationship between humans and their environment, emphasizing the impacts of Quaternary climate and palaeoenvironmental changes on organisms (individuals, communities, species) and ecosystem resilience. The Commission promotes innovative cross-disciplinary research and fosters communication among palaeoecology, archaeology, anthropology, geology and palaeoanthropology, including experts in the study of cultural processes. This collaboration aims to deepen insights into human responses to global and regional changes.

A related goal is to provide a unified framework for exchanging information between palaeoecologists and contemporary ecologists working to understand global change issues. The Commission promotes interchange among specialists from all world nations, involving young and early career scientists and those from low and middle-income countries. Current/recent projects include multi-country teams working on Mapping Ancient Africa (integrating palaeoclimate, climate modelling, palynology and archaeology), exploring the Palaeolithic ‘Out of Africa’ story including much public outreach (PalaeoHome), and the settlement effect of peat in Indonesia. Beyond this, recent projects have focused on developing and utilizing databases of palaeoecology and/or geo-archaeology, particularly in regions traditionally less well-represented.

Looking ahead to the 2027 Congress in Lucknow, India, the HABCOM team is actively strategizing a series of initiatives to grow the global community of human biosphere researchers. These initiatives include a podcast series and enhancing outreach through collaborative seminars with other Commissions, promoting diverse perspectives in human biosphere research. Members are encouraged to contribute to these efforts, advancing HABCOM’s mission to connect science and society meaningfully.