The Earth System Governance Project is the largest social science research network in the area of governance and global environmental change. Our international research programme takes up the challenge of exploring political solutions and novel, more effective governance systems to cope with the current transitions in the biogeochemical systems of our planet. The normative context of our research is sustainable development: We see earth system governance not only as a question of governance effectiveness, but also as a challenge for political legitimacy and social justice. The Earth System Governance Project is open to all social and natural scientists who are engaged in research on the governance of coupled socio-ecological systems, at all levels. Our global network includes many of the most prominent scientists in the field, along with numerous PhD students and early-career researchers. For more information see www.earthsystemgovernance.org.