This publication considers the crucial question -- how to reconcile the modern world's unceasing demand for energy with the absolute necessity to preserve the integrity of the biosphere.
The 2012 UNEP Year Book spotlights two emerging issues that underline the challenges but also the choices nations need to consider to deliver a sustainable 21st century urgently improved management of the worlds soils and the decommissioning of nuclear reactors.
From introduction: "WWF has a vision of a world that is powered by 100 per cent renewable energy sources by the middle of this century. Unless we make this transition, the world is most likely to avoid predicted escalating impacts of climate change. But is it possible to achieve 100 per cent renewable energy supplies for everyone by 2050? WWF called on expertise of respected energy consultancy Ecofys to provide an answer this question.
This paper will review the performance of existing routes in the Middle East and North Africa to glean lessons for proposed pipelines in Southwest Asia. With sufficient political will -- and a more informed understanding of the binding power of pipelines -- the United States, European countries, and international bodies can begin to utilize pipeline construction as both an engine of cooperation and a tool of diplomacy.
The key message of this publication is that the occurrence of the global economic and financial crisis and the interrelated climate, food, and water crises offers a window of opportunity to embark on a path of more resilient and sustainable economic growth. The key challenge is to avoid responding to the crises with measures that perpetuate economically, socially and environmentally unsustainable production and consumption patterns.
