Publication year: 2012
Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, Available online 10 January 2012

Ada Ignaciuk, Martin Rice, Janos Bogardi, Josep G Canadell, Shobhakar Dhakal, ...

The Earth system is an integrated, self-regulating system under increasing pressure from anthropogenic transformation. The Earth System Science Partnership (ESSP), which was established by the international global environmental change research programs (i.e., DIVERSITAS, IGBP, IHDP and WCRP) facilitates the study of this system in order to understand how and why it is changing, and to explore the implications of these changes for global and regional sustainability. Crucial to this scientific enterprise are interdisciplinary Joint Projects on carbon, food, water and health. This paper analyses the scientific and institutional evolution of ESSP as a framework for interdisciplinary and integrative research of societal relevance. Case studies on food systems, carbon budgets, water security and biodiversity conservation illustrate how these projects have advanced integrated Earth system knowledge. At the institutional level, we explain the transformation of the ESSP governance and how this has further enabled interdisciplinary research. The lessons learnt from ESSP research can contribute to the development of the next generation of Earth system science for sustainability.

Highlights

â–º Considerable scientific achievements have been achieved by ESSP. â–º However, further stimulation of broad inclusion of researchers across the globe and different disciplines is needed. â–º Well designed funding schemes and governing structure are crucial in the success of scientific endeavor. â–º Close collaboration with regional research centers and strategic alliances are important.

Publication year: 2012
Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, Available online 12 January 2012

Sonja Vermeulen, Robert Zougmoré, Eva Wollenberg, Philip Thornton, Gerald Nelson, ...

To achieve food security for many in low-income and middle-income countries for whom this is already a challenge, especially with the additional complications of climate change, will require early investment to support smallholder farming systems and the associated food systems that supply poor consumers. We need both local and global policy-linked research to accelerate sharing of lessons on institutions, practices and technologies for adaptation and mitigation. This strategy paper briefly outlines how the Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) of the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR) is working across research disciplines, organisational mandates, and spatial and temporal levels to assist immediate and longer-term policy actions.

Highlights

â–º Food security under climate change requires early investment in smallholder farming & food systems. â–º Local interventions need to be supported by national and global institutions. â–º Useful research must cross disciplines, organisational mandates, spatial & temporal levels. â–º CCAFS, a ten-year US$500 million global research alliance, seeks to integrate science & policy.

Publication year: 2012
Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, Available online 17 January 2012

Robert J Scholes, Michele Walters, Eren Turak, Hannu Saarenmaa, Carlo HR Heip, ...

The Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) has been in formal existence for three years, following several years of design and discussion. It is the realisation of the biodiversity societal benefit area envisaged in the GEO System of Systems (GEOSS). GEO BON links together existing networks, each covering particular aspects of biodiversity or parts of the world, and takes steps to help fill important gaps in the system. GEO BON focusses on coordination and harmonisation of the existing and emerging systems; advocacy and action to sustain the observing systems and to fill the identified gaps; and understanding and servicing user needs for biodiversity observations, particularly in the policy-making domain.

Highlights

â–º There is an enormous amount of biodiversity information, but it is patchy and unconnected. â–º GEO BON is a mechanism to help create a genuinely global biodiversity observation system. â–º A framework and procedure for integration of complex biodiversity datasets is emerging.

Publication year: 2012
Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, Available online 23 January 2012

Janos J Bogardi, David Dudgeon, Richard Lawford, Eva Flinkerbusch, Andrea Meyn, ...

Sustainability, equitable allocation and protection of water resources must occur within the framework of integrated management and water governance, but its implementation is problematic. Ongoing global climate change, increasing population, urbanization, and aspirations for better living standards present a challenge to the planetary sustainability. While water use at global scale currently seems to be within its planetary boundary, shortages prevail in several water-scarce and overpopulated regions, and are projected to increase. Furthermore large-scale impoverishment of aquatic biodiversity, ecosystem degradation and reductions in water quality are unaddressed ‘side effects’ in areas where water can be secured for human and economic uses. As the world prepares for Rio+20, challenges to the sustainability of global water security should be scrutinized. Of particular concern is the likelihood that the water-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets may not be achievable due to lack of funding commitments, and a failure of delivery mechanisms including water governance. Constraints on water availability and reductions in water quality jeopardize secure access to this resource for all legitimate stakeholders, including aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Water connects several socio-ecological, economic and geophysical systems at multiple scales and hence constitutes a ‘global water system’. This should be considered both in technical interventions and in governance frameworks. Humans have been changing the global water system in globally significant ways since the industrial revolution, yet without adequate knowledge of the system and its response to change; and without sufficient understanding of how to govern the system at local and global scales. Water security in the 21st century will require better linkage of science and policy, as well as innovative and cross-sectoral initiatives, adaptive management and polycentric governance models that involve all stakeholders. Consensus solutions will need to be achieved by evidence-based mediation, rather than following untested ‘panaceas’, so as to ensure equitable and sustainable global water use.

Highlights

► Water security for humans has been achieved at the expense of aquatic biodiversity. ► Water is the interconnecting resource base of the water–food–energy security nexus. ► Water is involved in almost all sectors & influences several planetary boundaries. ► Good water governance schemes are essential to provide water security. ► Water, energy & food security needs responsive governance and integrated management frameworks.