Clear Summaries of Scientific Reports on
Sustainable development
The concept of sustainability refers to the capacity to meet the needs of the present and local population without compromising the ability of future generations or populations in other locations to meet their needs.
How sustainable are current practices?
See also the state of the Environment
Agriculture is closely linked to many concerns, including biodiversity loss, global
warming and water availability.
The 2008 International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for
Development (IAASTD) focuses on how to make better use of agricultural science,
knowledge and technology to reduce hunger and poverty, improve rural livelihoods, and
foster equitable and sustainable development. More...
Summary available in [en] [es] [fr] [nl]
One possible option for reducing CO2 emissions is to store it underground. This technique is called Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS).
How does it work? Could it really help addressing climate change?
The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provides answers in a special report. More...
Summary available in [en] [es] [fr] [nl]
Desertification, the persistent degradation of drylands, threatens many livelihoods.
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) produced in 2005 by a large international panel
of scientists explored possible options to avoid or reverse desertification
and its negative impacts. More...
Summary available in [en] [es] [fr]
Humans depend heavily on ecosystem for benefits such as food, but we also have a
tremendous impact on them.
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) produced in 2005 by
a large international panel of scientists explored possible options to avoid or reverse
desertification and its negative impacts. More...
Summary available in [en] [es] [fr]
The UN Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) regularly assesses the State of
World Fisheries and Aquaculture. The key findings of its 2004 assessement
are still valid today.
Indeed, many fish stocks are being overexploited, and the international nature of
the resources makes them difficult to manage. Is the current food supply in danger? More...
Summary available in [en] [es] [fr]
Forests provide a wide range of benefits and are heavily exploited.
Every 5 years the UN Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) updates its
Global Forest Resources Assessment.
Its latest update published in 2006 considers what progress has been made towards
sustainable forest management across the world. More...
Summary available in [en] [es] [fr]
We are regularly confronted with genetically modified foods, be it in the news or on our plates. In what way are GM crops different from conventional crops? What is known about the possible risks for human health or the environment? More...
Summary available in [en] [es] [fr]
Water is essential for human survival and well-being and important to many sectors of the economy. Yet, resources are unevenly distributed and they are under pressure due to human activity. How can water resources be managed sustainably while meeting an ever increasing demand? More...
Summary available in [en] [es] [fr] [nl] | 
