Dryland opportunities: a new paradigm for people, ecosystems and development
Climate Change Resilience, Island and Ocean Ecosystems
Available Online
Since recession shocked the global economy in 2008, the meaning of sustainability has taken on a new depth. Besides the long-running fear of environmental destruction in particular in the susceptible drylands1 and rising expectations of a tipping point in climate change, a new question arises in the short run. Will business as usual resume, with appropriate lessons learnt,2 or will the system fracture? Can consumption continue to exceed sensible restraint, or can a new order emerge in the relations between humankind and the global ecosystem?3 There are strong linkages between these questions. An additional question urgently needs answering: what will become of the Millennium Development Goals for the relief of poverty, injustice and inequity in the distribution of natures benefits?