UNEP/GRID-Sioux Falls

UNEP Global Environmental Alert Service (GEAS) is a mechanism for identifying, selecting and communicating early warning information on emerging issues to decision makers on a regular basis across the following UNEP's focus areas:

Climate Change
Disasters & Conflicts
Ecosystem Management
Environmental Governance
Harmful Substances
Resource Efficiency

The Global Environment Alert Service continuously scans the scientific literature, analyses results of earth observations and other data sources to produce widely distributed alerts, focussing on policy relevant environmental hotspots, environmental science, and near real-time environmental hazards in an easily understandable format. It takes the pulse of the planet and enhances UNEP's ability to provide regular, science based updates to its member states and the international community on the status and trends of the global environment.

April 2012
Resource Efficiency

The end to cheap oil: a threat to food security and an incentive to reduce fossil fuels in agriculture

Fossil fuels are essential for modern, mechanized agricultural production systems. Petroleum products are used directly to power tractors, machinery and irrigation, and to transport, transform and package agricultural products. They are also used indirectly to manufacture f...

March 2012
Environmental Governance

The Need for Numbers-Goals, Targets and Indicators for the Environment

In the run-up to the June 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro (Rio+20), it has become increasingly clear that we need to put \"sustainable development\" into practice by setting time bound, measurable goals and targets and monitor progress toward...

February 2012
Climate Change, Ecosystem Management, Environmental Governance, Resource Efficiency

The Drying of Iran's Lake Urmia and its Environmental Consequences

Lake Urmia, in the northwestern corner of Iran, is one of the largest permanent hypersaline lakes in the world and the largest lake in the Middle East. A combination of drought and increased water diversion for irrigated agriculture within the lake&rspuo;s watershed has decreased the once 100 km² la...