The impacts of climate change are already being felt, especially in the most fragile and marginal ecosystems around the world. In particular, coral reefs, which are extremely sensitive to changes in the temperature and acidity of the water in which they form, are being destabilized by a changing ocean environment. Several scientific studies have demonstrated that many of the world's coral reefs are precariously close to total failure. A new study, while confirming this conclusion, does offer some hope.

March 28, 2008, saw the launch of China's Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP). As stated in its mission, this new cabinet-level ministry will take responsibility for China's environmental governance. MEP is tasked to develop and organize the implementation of environmental protection; to manage all related planning, policy and standards; and to coordinate across jurisdictions and levels of government to solve the country's major environmental problems.

Most discussions around international climate change—the Kyoto Protocol, the Lieberman-Warner Bill introduced on the floor of the U.S. Senate last month, and the G8 discussions taking place this week—include targets for emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases (GHG). A more direct question was addressed at the Tallberg Forum in Sweden last week: regardless of emissions, how much CO₂ can actually accumulate in the Earth's atmosphere without causing enormous and irreversible impacts on human society and the natural environment?

As world food prices reach record highs, concerns over agricultural productivity are mounting. Productivity growth has stagnated as the world’s population has continued to rise, and the wealth generated from economic development is further increasing demand for food. The use of food crops like corn and sugarcane for biofuels production exacerbates the situation. The United Nations estimates that agricultural output will have to rise 50 percent by 2030 to meet this increased demand