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2010 International Year of Biodiversity - see our related digests

Biodiversity A Global Outlook

In 2002, the Convention on Biological Diversity set the target of reducing the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010 and established a number of biodiversity indicators to assess progress towards meeting that target. Can this target be reached? What actions are needed? More...

This Digest is a faithful summary of the leading scientific consensus report produced in 2006 by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): "Global Biodiversity Outlook 2" Learn more...

Biodiversity & Human Well-being

Biodiversity contributes to many aspects of human well-being, for instance by providing raw materials and contributing to health. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment shows that human actions often lead to irreversible losses in terms of diversity of life on Earth. What factors are responsible for this rapid loss? More...

This Digest is a faithful summary of the leading scientific consensus report produced in 2005 by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA): "Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Biodiversity Synthesis" Learn more...

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?

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This Digest is a faithful summary of the leading scientific consensus report produced in 2008 by the Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO): "Forests and Energy, Key Issues" Learn more...

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...

This Digest is a faithful summary of the leading scientific consensus report produced in 2004 by the Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO): "The State of Food and Agriculture 2003-2004" Learn more...

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...

This Digest is a faithful summary of the leading scientific consensus report produced in 2005 by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA): "Desertification Synthesis Report" Learn more...

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...

This Digest is a faithful summary of the leading scientific consensus report produced in 2006 by the UN World Water Assessment Programme (UN-Water WWAP): "The United Nations World Water Development Report" Learn more...

Agriculture & Development

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...

This Digest is a faithful summary of the leading scientific report produced in 2008 by the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD): "Synthesis Report of the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development"
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Climate Change 2007 Update

In the last few years, scientific research and knowledge on climate change have progressed substantially, confirming that the current warming of the Earth's climate is very likely to be due to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels. The Earth’s warming is already having measurable consequences and future impacts are expected to be wide-ranging and costly.

How can we adapt to those changes? Is it possible to limit the extent of climate change and its impacts through mitigation efforts?

In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has provided new answers in its up-to-date assessment of the current state of knowledge on climate change, summarised below.

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This Digest is a faithful summary of the leading scientific consensus report produced in 2007 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): "Fourth Assessment Report (AR4)". More specifically, it is a summary of the reports by the three Working Groups: "The Physical Science Basis” (WGI), "Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability" (WGII), and "Mitigation of Climate Change" (WGIII). Learn more...

Liquid Biofuels for Transport Prospects, risks and opportunities

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...

This Digest is a faithful summary of the leading scientific consensus report produced in 2008 by the Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO):"The State of Food and Agriculture, Biofuels: Prospects, Risks and Opportunities"

Electromagnetic Fields 2009 Update

Safety limits have been set by the European Union to protect workers and the general public against the effects of mobile phones and other electromagnetic fields. Are these safety limits adequate ?
The Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) of the European Commission has reviewed recent scientific evidence. More...

The answers to these questions are a faithful summary of the scientific opinion produced in 2009 by the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR):"Health Effects of exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)"

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