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.

January 2012
Ecosystem Management, Resource Efficiency

A Glass Half Empty: Regions at Risk Due to Groundwater Depletion

Almost half the global population uses groundwater for their drinking water and an increasing proportion of agriculture relies on groundwater. Regional scarcity is becoming a serious and growing problem, as rapidly growing populations rely on regional water supplies which are being depleted, degrade...

December 2011
Ecosystem Management, Resource Efficiency

Oil palm plantations: threats and opportunities for tropical ecosystems

An international commodity used for food, household and industrial purposes, oil palm is cultivated on approximately 15 million ha worldwide. As global demand for palm oil is expected to double by 2020, researchers have broadly studied the varying environmental ...

November 2011
Climate Change, Ecosystem Management

Food Security in the Horn of Africa: The Implications of a Drier, Hotter and More Crowded Future

Nearly 44 per cent of the population in the Horn of Africa is already subject to extreme food shortages. What will happen if the population continues to grow and climate change exacerbates the harsh conditions?