Rising sea levels, linked to climate change, are threatening pacific mangroves, according to a recent report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The report claims that projected sea-level increases of 9-88cm over this century could lead to the loss of 13 percent of mangrove area in 16 pacific island countries or territories studied, with losses as high as 50 percent on some islands.

Oil from a damaged Lebanese power station now covers over 80km (50miles) of coastline, threatening the Mediterranean Sea's vulnerable and endangered species. Spawning areas of bluefin tuna, an important but already overfished commercial species, as well as other fish and shark species, are particularly at risk. Oil-coated beaches are also preventing hatching green turtles - an endangered species - from reaching the sea.

The development of productive capacities is the key to continued economic growth and poverty reduction in the world's 50 Least Developed Countries (LDCs), claims a new United Nations report. The Least Developed Countries Report 2006, released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development earlier this month, suggests that higher productivity is necessary to increase employment, create lower more stable prices, and enhance governance by increasing government revenues.

The levels of corruption are continuing to decline in the former socialist economies of Europe and Central Asia, according to a new report by the World Bank. The Anticorruption and Transition: Who is succeeding... and why? report is the third in a series of studies surveying the experience of 20,000 businesses, in order to compare patterns and levels of corruption across countries and time.

Happiness and well-being can be achieved without over-using the world's limited resources, according to the Happy Planet Index report released last week. The report showed that unlike many developed countries that have unsustainably exploited their natural resources, a number of developing countries, including Colombia, Costa Rica, and the Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu, have been able to secure similar levels of life-expectancy and -satisfaction while living largely within the capacity of ecosystems to supply goods and services.

Today marks the 20th annual World Population Day, which this year is being used to promote awareness of the challenges to young people. The day is marked by a host of events across the globe - including public statements, contests, poster campaigns, debates, seminars, and exhibitions - all organized at least partly by young people.

Poor environments play a role in more than 80% of reported diseases and are responsible for almost a quarter of global disease and over one third of that among children, according to a new United Nations report released last month.

Over a decade after the Dayton agreement marked the formal end of conflict in the Balkans, displaced persons there remain highly vulnerable, often unable to secure employment or housing. This was a central finding of the 'At risk: Roma and the displaced in Southeast Europe' report launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) last week.

Earlier this week, millions worldwide took part in events to mark World Refugee Day 2006. United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan asked that the day "serve as a reminder of our responsibility to keep hope alive among those who need it most." At present, 20.8 million people are considered refugees or displaced individuals.

Global Deserts Outlook, a new report released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), identifies the unsustainable use of water and land resources, continued infrastructure growth, and global climate change as the major causes of desertification - the degradation of the world's deserts and drylands.