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The recent 4th Assessment of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provides the latest revelations on the science, impacts, and potential measures to address climate change. Nevertheless, the state of knowledge that is available at the global level is far from comprehensive. Whereas there has been high focus on continental understanding, the same cannot be said at regional and sub-regional levels (INCAA 2010). The early action plans in response to growing awareness on the challenges of climate change, the governments worldwide, including those from developing countries, have strengthened confidence, capacity, knowledge, and experience to focus on agricultural production systems that are resilient to climate risks. Motivated by growing interests and building on available knowledge, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) together with six countries in Asia undertook the challenge to “know in order to act” and implemented the project entitled “Vulnerability to Climate Change: Adaptation Strategies and Layers of Resilience “. Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), this study is a comprehensive effort to analyze the vulnerability and adaptation strategies by farmers in the marginal regions of Asia in the context of a changing climate or increasing climate associated variability and risk. We hope the results will provide a basis for further suggestions on strategies and policies to reduce risk and vulnerability, build and strengthen adaptive capacity, to provide options for farmers to be able to cope better with the future climate change.

This HIGH Horizons report (deliverable 2.1) provides an overview of the 1st version of the environmental health database. In addition, it assesses database design to evaluate which approach would be the most beneficial given the data requirement of the HIGH Horizons project. Further, it presents the metadata of the variables with relevant sharing rules for both environment and health data available for the project.

On 3 December 2010, the Clean Vehicle Portal (CVP), sponsored by the European Commission and run by TÜV NORD, was launched. This portal was set up as an operational instrument under the European Commission Directive 2009/33/EC on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles, which came into force before the launch of the portal. The website www.cleanvehicles.eu is meant as an easy-to-use tool for those in charge of vehicle procurement for government agencies, NGOs and businesses, as well as individuals, to compare the environmentally relevant 'operational lifetime cost' (OLC) of different vehicles. This should allow users to choose "the cleanest and most energy-efficient vehicles available". The Directive 2009/33/EC requires that from 4 December 2010, each purchase of vehicles for public transport services should take into account their energy consumption, CO2 emissions and pollutant emissions. The new portal therefore provides information on legislation for clean and energy-efficient vehicles at EU level and in all member states; it provides access to technical data and it facilitates joint procurement. The Ecoscore website (www.ecoscore.be) is sponsored by the three Belgian regions (Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels) and maintained by VITO in collaboration with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The website is meant to inform end users on the environmental performance of all passenger cars available on the Belgian market (new and second hand). The database behind this tool is composed of data from FEBIAC (Belgian Automobile and Two-wheeler Federation) and DIV (Belgian federal service for vehicle registrations). In this report, the Clean Vehicle Europe (CVE) and Ecoscore methodologies are compared, as well as the specifications and user-friendliness of the CVP and Ecoscore website. Both methodologies are then used to calculate the environmental impact of a selection of cars and compare the ranking of vehicles with both methods. Hence, the value of the Ecoscore website is evaluated in the framework of the new European CVP.

Metadata only record In many tropical areas the main constraint to increased output of livestock products is the inability of producers to feed animals adequately throughout the year. Yet opportunities exist to enhance ruminant livestock feed supplies by using crop residues, such as cereal straw and legume haulms. Greater emphasis is therefore now being placed on vegetative production in plant breeding research. Crop residues also play an important role in conserving soil moisture, preventing erosion and providing products such as fuel or thatch for smallholders.

The large size of collaborative housing projects allows for two major benefits. On the one hand, it reduces spatial particularisms, thereby allowing for a multiplicity of dwelling uses. On the other hand, the benefits generated by critical mass and the possibility to avoid others can favour social inclusion both within the project and in the neighbourhood. The paper is based on a cross-disciplinary study of collaborative housing projects developed at three different scales in Nantes (La Boîte Noire), Brussels (Brutopia) and Zurich (Kalkbreite). The analysis of the projects links a spatial investigation of the dwelling spaces with in-depth field observations to understand their actual uses. Given their greater spatial diversity and social mix, large-scale collaborative projects tend to offer more resilience towards domestic and societal changes. Size could hence be a valuable asset into new sustainable design, provided that some precautions are taken (ensuring solidarity despite heterogeneity, preventing oversize and enabling the cultural and legal conditions for alternative developments).

> Les pays riches doivent faire beaucoup plus, beaucoup plus vite. L'Assemblée générale des Nations Unies en septembre 2021 réunira les pays à un moment critique pour organiser une action collective pour faire face à la crise environnementale mondiale. Ils se réuniront à nouveau lors du sommet sur la biodiversité à Kunming, en Chine, et de la conférence sur le climat (Conférence des Parties (COP)26) à Glasgow, au Royaume-Uni. Avant ces réunions cruciales, nous - les rédacteurs en chef des revues de santé du monde entier - appelons à une action urgente pour maintenir les augmentations moyennes de la température mondiale en dessous de 1,5 ° C, arrêter la destruction de la nature et protéger la santé. La santé est déjà affectée par l'augmentation de la température mondiale et la destruction du monde naturel, un état de fait sur lequel les professionnels de la santé attirent l'attention depuis des décennies.1 La science est sans équivoque ; une augmentation mondiale de 1,5 ° C au-dessus de la moyenne préindustrielle et la perte continue de la biodiversité risquent de causer des dommages catastrophiques à la santé qu'il sera impossible d'inverser.2 3 Malgré la préoccupation nécessaire du monde concernant la COVID-19, nous ne pouvons pas attendre que la pandémie passe pour réduire rapidement les émissions. Reflétant la gravité du moment, cet éditorial apparaît dans des revues de santé à travers le monde. Nous sommes unis pour reconnaître que seuls des changements fondamentaux et équitables dans les sociétés inverseront notre trajectoire actuelle. Les risques pour la santé des augmentations supérieures à 1,5 °C sont maintenant bien établis.2 En effet, aucune augmentation de température n'est « sûre ». Au cours des 20 dernières années, la mortalité liée à la chaleur chez les personnes âgées de plus de 65 ans a augmenté de plus de 50 %.4 Des températures plus élevées ont entraîné une augmentation de la déshydratation et de la perte de la fonction rénale, des tumeurs malignes dermatologiques, des infections tropicales, des problèmes de santé mentale, des complications de grossesse, des allergies et une morbidité et une mortalité cardiovasculaires et pulmonaires.5 6 Les préjudices affectent de manière disproportionnée les plus vulnérables, notamment les enfants, les populations plus âgées, les minorités ethniques, les communautés les plus pauvres et les personnes ayant des problèmes de santé sous-jacents.2 4 Le réchauffement climatique contribue également à la baisse de ... > Las naciones ricas deben hacer mucho más, mucho más rápido. La Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas en septiembre de 2021 reunirá a los países en un momento crítico para organizar la acción colectiva para abordar la crisis ambiental mundial. Se reunirán nuevamente en la cumbre de biodiversidad en Kunming, China, y en la conferencia climática (Conferencia de las Partes (COP)26) en Glasgow, Reino Unido. Antes de estas reuniones fundamentales, nosotros, los editores de revistas de salud de todo el mundo, pedimos medidas urgentes para mantener el aumento promedio de la temperatura global por debajo de 1,5 ° C, detener la destrucción de la naturaleza y proteger la salud. La salud ya se está viendo perjudicada por el aumento de la temperatura global y la destrucción del mundo natural, una situación a la que los profesionales de la salud han estado prestando atención durante décadas.1 La ciencia es inequívoca; un aumento global de 1,5 ° C por encima del promedio preindustrial y la continua pérdida de biodiversidad corren el riesgo de causar daños catastróficos a la salud que serán imposibles de revertir.2 3 A pesar de la preocupación necesaria del mundo por el COVID-19, no podemos esperar a que la pandemia pase para reducir rápidamente las emisiones. Como reflejo de la gravedad del momento, este editorial aparece en revistas de salud de todo el mundo. Estamos unidos en el reconocimiento de que solo los cambios fundamentales y equitativos en las sociedades revertirán nuestra trayectoria actual. Los riesgos para la salud de aumentos superiores a 1,5 °C están ahora bien establecidos.2 De hecho, ningún aumento de temperatura es "seguro". En los últimos 20 años, la mortalidad relacionada con el calor entre las personas mayores de 65 años ha aumentado en más del 50%.4 Las temperaturas más altas han provocado un aumento de la deshidratación y la pérdida de la función renal, neoplasias malignas dermatológicas, infecciones tropicales, resultados adversos para la salud mental, complicaciones del embarazo, alergias y morbilidad y mortalidad cardiovascular y pulmonar.5 6 Los daños afectan de manera desproporcionada a los más vulnerables, incluidos los niños, las poblaciones mayores, las minorías étnicas, las comunidades más pobres y las personas con problemas de salud subyacentes.2 4 El calentamiento global también está contribuyendo a la disminución de ... > Wealthy nations must do much more, much faster. The United Nations General Assembly in September 2021 will bring countries together at a critical time for marshalling collective action to tackle the global environmental crisis. They will meet again at the biodiversity summit in Kunming, China, and the climate conference (Conference of the Parties (COP)26) in Glasgow, UK. Ahead of these pivotal meetings, we—the editors of health journals worldwide—call for urgent action to keep average global temperature increases below 1.5°C, halt the destruction of nature and protect health. Health is already being harmed by global temperature increases and the destruction of the natural world, a state of affairs health professionals have been bringing attention to for decades.1 The science is unequivocal; a global increase of 1.5°C above the preindustrial average and the continued loss of biodiversity risk catastrophic harm to health that will be impossible to reverse.2 3 Despite the world's necessary preoccupation with COVID-19, we cannot wait for the pandemic to pass to rapidly reduce emissions. Reflecting the severity of the moment, this editorial appears in health journals across the world. We are united in recognising that only fundamental and equitable changes to societies will reverse our current trajectory. The risks to health of increases above 1.5°C are now well established.2 Indeed, no temperature rise is 'safe'. In the past 20 years, heat-related mortality among people aged over 65 has increased by more than 50%.4 Higher temperatures have brought increased dehydration and renal function loss, dermatological malignancies, tropical infections, adverse mental health outcomes, pregnancy complications, allergies, and cardiovascular and pulmonary morbidity and mortality.5 6 Harms disproportionately affect the most vulnerable, including children, older populations, ethnic minorities, poorer communities and those with underlying health problems.2 4 Global heating is also contributing to the decline in … > يجب على الدول الغنية أن تفعل أكثر من ذلك بكثير، وأسرع بكثير. ستجمع الجمعية العامة للأمم المتحدة في سبتمبر 2021 البلدان في وقت حرج لحشد العمل الجماعي لمعالجة الأزمة البيئية العالمية. وسيجتمعون مرة أخرى في قمة التنوع البيولوجي في كونمينغ، الصين، ومؤتمر المناخ (مؤتمر الأطراف 26) في غلاسكو، المملكة المتحدة. قبل هذه الاجتماعات المحورية، ندعو - نحن محرري المجلات الصحية في جميع أنحاء العالم - إلى اتخاذ إجراءات عاجلة للحفاظ على متوسط الزيادات في درجات الحرارة العالمية أقل من 1.5 درجة مئوية، ووقف تدمير الطبيعة وحماية الصحة. الصحة تتضرر بالفعل من ارتفاع درجات الحرارة العالمية وتدمير العالم الطبيعي، وهو وضع يلفت الانتباه إليه المهنيون الصحيون منذ عقود. 1 العلم لا لبس فيه ؛ زيادة عالمية قدرها 1.5 درجة مئوية فوق متوسط ما قبل الصناعة واستمرار فقدان التنوع البيولوجي خطر ضرر كارثي على الصحة سيكون من المستحيل عكسه. 2 3 على الرغم من الانشغال العالمي الضروري بـ COVID -19، لا يمكننا الانتظار حتى ينتقل الوباء لتقليل الانبعاثات بسرعة. مما يعكس شدة اللحظة، تظهر هذه الافتتاحية في المجلات الصحية في جميع أنحاء العالم. نحن متحدون في الاعتراف بأن التغييرات الأساسية والعادلة في المجتمعات هي وحدها التي ستعكس مسارنا الحالي. أصبحت المخاطر الصحية للزيادات التي تزيد عن 1.5 درجة مئوية ثابتة الآن. 2 في الواقع، لا يوجد ارتفاع في درجة الحرارة "آمن". في السنوات العشرين الماضية، زادت الوفيات المرتبطة بالحرارة بين الأشخاص الذين تزيد أعمارهم عن 65 عامًا بأكثر من 50 ٪.4 وقد أدت درجات الحرارة المرتفعة إلى زيادة الجفاف وفقدان وظائف الكلى، والأورام الخبيثة الجلدية، والالتهابات الاستوائية، والنتائج السلبية للصحة العقلية، ومضاعفات الحمل، والحساسية، واعتلال القلب والأوعية الدموية والرئوية والوفيات .5 6 تؤثر الأضرار بشكل غير متناسب على الفئات الأكثر ضعفًا، بما في ذلك الأطفال وكبار السن والأقليات العرقية والمجتمعات الفقيرة وأولئك الذين يعانون من مشاكل صحية كامنة .2 4 يساهم التدفئة العالمية أيضًا في انخفاض...

It is unarguable that the world has changed in significant ways as a result of advances in science and technology. How we do business today is very different from that of twenty or even ten years ago. This is also true for farmers in Eastern and Southern Africa, who have had to adapt to new challenges and respond quickly to new opportunities as they present themselves. The 2009 Annual Report for Eastern and Southern Africa portrays one such entrepreneurial farmer in Kenya who has evolved with the times and found a recipe for success through the use of improved varieties of pigeonpea she obtained from ICRISAT. Seed isn’t a new technology but it is one of the factors most limiting farmers’ advancement in Eastern and Southern Africa. This report describes work at the molecular level that will help ensure the purity of certified seed of groundnut and pigeonpea. It also captures the early steps to kick-start the seed industry in Zimbabwe by increasing the availability of foundation seed and the efficacy of relief programs operating in the country. GIS and remote sensing have changed how we view the world and increased our ability to monitor changes over time. The final story on land degradation showcases the type of research that is needed to secure one the most basic and fundamental farming requirements – land. This report describes not just the impacts of our work but also the technologies and the processes involved in agricultural research. We hope