AgricultureCO2 Capture & StorageDesertificationEcosystem ChangeFisheriesForestsForests & EnergyGenetically Modified CropsBiofuelsWater Resources
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

Digest published under the authority of the GreenFacts Scientific BoardAgriculture & Development (IAASTD, 2008)
Agriculture

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...

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Digest published under the authority of the GreenFacts Scientific BoardCO2 Capture and Storage (IPCC, 2005)
CO2 Capture & Storage

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...

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Digest published under the authority of the GreenFacts Scientific BoardDesertification (MA, 2005)
Desertification

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...

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Digest published under the authority of the GreenFacts Scientific BoardEcosystem Change (MA, 2005)
Ecosystem Change

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...

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Digest published under the authority of the GreenFacts Scientific BoardFisheries Latest data (FAO, 2009)
Fisheries

The UN Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) regularly assesses the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture. The key findings of its latest assessment were released in 2009.

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...

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Digest published under the authority of the GreenFacts Scientific BoardForests (FAO, 2006)
Forests

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...

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Digest published under the authority of the GreenFacts Scientific BoardForests & Energy (FAO, 2008)
Forests & Energy

In coming years, the world’s energy consumption is expected to increase dramatically. While fossil fuels will remain an important source of energy, renewable energies will also gain importance. Could biofuels derived from forests help meet the energy demand? More...

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Digest published under the authority of the GreenFacts Scientific BoardGenetically Modified Crops (FAO, 2004)
Genetically Modified Crops

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...

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Digest published under the authority of the GreenFacts Scientific BoardLiquid Biofuels for Transport Prospects, risks and opportunities (FAO, 2008)
Biofuels

Serious questions are being raised about the environmental impacts of producing liquid biofuels for transport, the costs of policies to promote them and their possible unintended consequences.

What could be the future role of biofuels for agriculture, food security and climate change? More...

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Digest published under the authority of the GreenFacts Scientific BoardWater Resources (UN-Water WWAP, 2006)
Water Resources

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...

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