GECHS, Global Environmental Change and Human Security, is a core project of the International Human Dimensions Programme (IHDP). The IHDP is a major international research network, headquartered in Bonn, Germany, that works with the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) to coordinate environmental research worldwide.  Its objective is to study and assist those individuals and groups worldwide who are most vulnerable to the negative effects of environmental change.

Funded principally by OECD countries, IHDP has four core projects. One of these, the Global Environmental Change and Human Security Project (GECHS) is currently establishing major research offices in four countries: Australia, Costa Rica, Norway  and the United States. The U.S. office has been established at UCI, and is directed by Dr. Richard Matthew, who is also a member of the GECHS Science Committee.  Activities of the GECHS at UCI office include: establishing a research facility; fund raising; liaison with other components of the IHDP/WCRP/IGBP network; developing and undertaking specific research projects on the human impacts of environmental change; hosting annual workshops (including workshops on environmental change and security, landmines, and children at risk); collaborating on research with scholars from developing countries; preparing policy briefs for the development community; and producing case studies, edited volumes and monographs.

Among the activities undertaken through the center, Professor Matthew coordinated a workshop with the Woodrow Wilson Center in March of 2000 on Environment and Conflict Research and a conference on Children at Risk, in February of 2001. Presentations at a GECHS-UCI sponsored conference on the Social and Ecological Impacts of Landmines held in May 2000 have resulted in the forthcoming edited volume War's Hidden Legacy.