SciDev.Net

The climate change debate offers a way to integrate forest management into development policy, but strategies must be informed by good science.

Nanotechnology holds huge potential for supplying clean water to the world's poor, but many challenges must be overcome to realise it.

More agricultural research funding and a farmer-centred approach to boosting food production are needed to prevent future food emergencies.

Science can help developing countries facing commodity-price and climate turmoil: the biggest challenge is how to ensure it does.

Science and technology can contribute significantly to mitigating the impact of tropical cyclones.

The Myanmar cyclone and Chinese earthquake highlight the need for effective dissemination of information, both before and after a disaster.

A recent report is a welcome analysis of modern agriculture's future, but it fails to adequately recognise the role of science and technology.

Bill and Melinda Gates' forays into aid are to be welcomed, but they can only succeed alongside government involvement.

A commitment to biofuels should be based on a careful assessment of their prospective benefits and costs, not a blind leap of faith.

The world must not miss its second chance to take a radically different approach to energy consumption.

Last week's award of the Nobel peace prize signals the coming of age of the public communication of science.

The fight against biopiracy must embrace both legitimate science and social justice if biodiversity itself is not to suffer.

Almost unnoticed, Nepal is developing simple and cheap technologies that make the best of local resources and don't damage the environment.

Effective adaptation strategies will require reliable scientific data both on the nature of climate change and on its potential impact.

Building public support for genetically modified crops in sub-Saharan Africa means developing a homegrown solution to the region's own needs.

All members of the media must work together to ensure sustainable development is given the attention it deserves.

A combination of factors appears to be pushing the risk-benefit balance back into nuclear's favour as an energy option for developing countries. SciDev.Net readers are invited to comment.

The forthcoming meeting of heads of the world's industrialised nations must not let self-interest detract from the challenge of global poverty and efforts to soften the impact of globalisation on the developing world.

Next January, the heads of member states of the African Union will meet to discuss science and technology in what will be a unique opportunity to support the continent's scientific renaissance.

Although GM crops are controversial, they can still play an important role in meeting the world's food needs. But the controversies do highlight the need for a robust regulatory framework.