The decline of world wetlands could compound global warming, releasing billions of tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere. Wetlands store 10-20% of Earth's terrestrial carbon and slow organic material decay.
Climate change affects indigenous people through increased diseases, droughts, and extreme weather events. They face displacement, human rights violations, and loss of land and resources due to biofuel production and renewable energy projects.
A pioneering study reveals that the world's wealthiest individuals hold disproportionately large amounts of wealth, with the top 10% owning 85% of global assets. The richest countries in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific contribute to this concentration of wealth.
Many developing country universities are at risk if they don't strengthen their research capabilities and address regional development problems. The pressures are greatest, the need most acute, and it's a matter of life and death. Strong research capabilities are essential for relevance and survival.
Research shows that mental health problems lead to greater levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among workers in the service sector. The study found that investing in mental health treatment and prevention can result in significant cost savings for governments.
Europe outperforms the US in formal technology transfer from public research, with more licenses executed and start-ups established. However, open science measures reveal Europe's actual performance is more nuanced.
The World Trade Organization is expected to rule on biotechnology-altered foods, with differing perceptions about the 'precautionary principle' leading to trade clashes. The Japan-based Institute for Advanced Studies of the United Nations University calls for international agreement on common approaches to risk assessment.
The study finds that healthy ecosystems can mitigate the effects of disasters like landslides and floods. Mainstreaming sustainable biodiversity management into policy decisions may reverse ecosystem degradation trends.
Climate change is exacerbating landslides worldwide, particularly in Asia and the Americas, resulting in significant human and financial losses. International experts propose various strategies to mitigate landslide risks, including land use planning, building codes, and infrastructure development.
The United Nations University is building an online academy to promote sustainable development in Africa through information and communications technologies. The academy will provide online training in water, environment, renewable energy, and biotechnology, aiming to improve African competitiveness and lift productivity.
This book explores the progress of medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology, highlighting its potential to fight major global health concerns like Ebola fever and the human immunodeficiency virus. It also examines regulatory issues, public perceptions, and the social acceptance of this rapidly growing technology.
A new book argues that the WTO should prioritize sustainable development and fair trade to contribute to poverty alleviation. Professor Gary Sampson presents policy options that are both ambitious and realistic for governments to adopt.
International Commissions and the Power of Ideas examines the impact of commissions on global governance and policy, with a focus on individual commission's character and record. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of commissions' role in creating action plans and shaping mind-body of global governance.
The report highlights the need for clear rules to regulate deep sea bioprospecting, citing growing concerns about exploitation and potential damage to sensitive ecosystems. Marine-derived drugs have significant economic value, with estimated annual profits of $1 billion from anti-cancer agents alone.
The book Making States Work examines the roles of international actors, local elites, and civil society in building public institutions. Key findings include successes in Mozambique and Costa Rica, as well as case studies on state failures in regions such as the Great Lakes and South Central Asia.
Iraq's higher education system has been severely damaged, with 5/6ths of institutions destroyed, and the country needs $1 million in infrastructure repairs. The UN University proposes a National Commission to transform the system, addressing issues like teacher training, research funding, and international connectivity.
The UN University's new book Regulating Bioprospecting highlights the need for effective policies and institutions to tap into bioprospecting's potential. Experts argue that poor regulatory environments and market imperfections hinder investments in drug research and development from developing countries.
The world's largest freshwater wetland is under unprecedented pressure from economic development, alterations of its water courses, and conversion to other land uses. Climate change poses a significant threat to the Pantanal's ecosystem, biodiversity, and species composition.
A joint environmental monitoring system was established between Hungary and Slovakia to assess the dam's impact on the Danube River. The authors recommend integrating this system with regional monitoring structures to achieve sustainable management of shared water resources.
The concentration of people and wealth in underground spaces poses significant risks from floods, tsunamis, and other extreme events. Modeling catastrophic events is crucial for designing contingencies such as evacuations and emergency containment.
Scientists use DNA technology to identify specific art materials and develop biological preservation strategies to combat insect and fungal damage. A regional symposium on cultural heritage conservation is also organized, attracting over 100 curators and students.
Expert analysis highlights the challenges of post-conflict elections, citing cases where ill-timed or poorly designed elections can exacerbate existing tensions. The book examines UN's role in promoting democracy and explores the importance of timing, election mechanics, and political parties.
Experts recommend seven potential options to raise funds for development, including global environmental taxes and private donations. The policies aim to increase external flows of finance to the poorest countries by 2015 to meet MDG targets.
Two new books by the United Nations University provide a guide for developing countries to promote technology-based enterprises. The studies analyze factors that enabled select countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea to expand their high-tech exports. Key findings highlight the importance of science, technology, and industr...
The UN University estimates that the number of people living in flood-prone areas will double by 2050 due to extreme weather systems, rising sea levels, and deforestation. This would put an additional 1 billion people at risk, with devastating consequences for global economies and human security.
Experts argue that a new Global Environmental Organization (GEO) is needed to consolidate and coordinate environmental policy research, technology databases, and information clearing-houses. The UN Environment Programme is also overstretched and recommends focusing on science and co-ordination of scientific activities.
A report by the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group finds that zinc deficiency affects millions worldwide, particularly in developing countries. It highlights methods for assessing population zinc status and potential strategies for controlling nutritional deficiencies through supplements and public education.
The average desktop system requires 10 times its weight in fossil fuels and chemicals to manufacture, with a total of 1.8 tonnes of materials used per computer. The study highlights the need to extend the useful life of existing equipment to reduce waste and mitigate environmental impacts.
The private sector is increasingly drawn into addressing biodiversity concerns through socially responsible investment (SRI) portfolios, with $640 billion managed in the UK. SRI funds have grown significantly since their inception, and companies are acknowledging business risks related to public concern about biodiversity.
The UN University report highlights concerns over unregulated bioprospecting in Antarctica, threatening environmental consequences and ownership disputes. Despite the potential for breakthroughs in cancer treatment and industrial compounds, efforts to exploit extremophiles need international regulation.
The UN University has authorized a diploma for graduates of its 10-course, 250-hour online training program in Integrated Water Resources Management. The program aims to upgrade knowledge of modern water management concepts and principles among practicing professionals.