Earth Facts
Arctic Climate Change
Our climate is already changing, particularly in the Arctic where permafrost is melting, glaciers are receding, and sea ice is disappearing.
Changes in the Arctic will not only affect local people and ecosystems but also the rest of the world, because the Arctic plays a special role in global climate.
Biodiversity – Global Outlook
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has set, in 2002, the ambitious target of reducing the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010. A number of indicators of biological diversity were created to assess progress towards meeting that target.
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 and these losses have been more rapid in the past 50 years than ever before in human history.
CO2 Capture and Storage
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major greenhouse gas that contributes to Earth’s global warming. Over the past two centuries, its concentration in the atmosphere has greatly increased, mainly because of human activities such as fossil fuel burning. One possible option for reducing CO2 emissions is to store it underground. This technique is called Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS).
Climate Change
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.
Desertification
Desertification is the persistent degradation of dryland ecosystems. It threatens the livelihoods of some of the poorest and most vulnerable populations on the planet. Desertification is largely caused by unsustainable use of scarce resources.
Fisheries
Fisheries and aquaculture are receiving increasing attention, not only because they represent an important source of livelihoods and food, but also because of our increasing understanding of aquatic ecosystems. Many fish stocks are currently overexploited, and the international nature of the resources makes them difficult to manage.
Forests
Forests cover a third of our planet's land. They provide raw materials, maintain biodiversity, protect land and water resources, and play a role in climate change mitigation. Forests are heavily exploited, but important efforts are being made to use and manage them more sustainably.
Water Resources
Water is essential for human survival and well-being and important to many sectors of the economy. However, resources are irregularly distributed in space and time, and they are under pressure due to human activity.
Air Pollution
While ambient air quality in the U.S. and Europe improved in several respects during the last decades of the 20th century, current levels of air pollution do affect public health. They can cause respiratory diseases and reduce life expectancy.
Diet and Nutrition Prevention of Chronic Diseases
As a result of changes in the way we eat and live, some chronic diseases are increasingly affecting both developed and developing countries. Indeed, diet-related chronic diseases - such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, dental disease, and osteoporosis - are the most common cause of death in the world and present a great burden for society.
Genetically Modified Crops
We are regularly confronted with genetically modified foods, be it in the news or on our plates.
Respiratory Diseases in Children
Respiratory diseases are a leading cause of mortality in developing countries, and one of the most common causes of illness in children of developed countries. Asthma and allergies are increasing in the U.S. as well as a number of European countries.