COP-15 and the UNESCO Intersectoral Platform for Action to Address Climate Change

“The UN has stated clearly that the goal we would like to see is ambitious: for all nations to share a common vision of what is needed to be done or, at a minimum, what is needed to agree on in order to mitigate causes of climate change,” said Patricio Bernal, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO for the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. More 

Seal the deal!

The Climate talks get under way in Copenhagen on 7 December. Delegations need to come to Copenhagen prepared to assume their responsibilities, says UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Science, Walter Erdelen. He explains why in a recent editorial. (More) 

Healthy Oceans: New Key to Combating Climate Change

Towards COP15 Copenhagen
United Nations, Climate Change
Conference
Dec 7 - Dec 18, 2009

"Because the ocean has already absorbed 82 percent of the total additional energy accumulated in the planet due to global warming, it is fair to say that the ocean has already spared us from dangerous climate change," says IOC Executive Secretary. More

World AIDS Day : 1st December

The theme of this year’s World AIDS Day focuses our attention on the interrelationship between human rights and the goal of Universal Access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. More 

"Arthritis, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis: progress to stay active" Forum to be held at UNESCO

The Forum on "Arthritis, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis: progress to stay active" will be held in UNESCO Paris on 28 November. More

Programme [.pdf]

Right to Water

The human right to water is fundamental to leading a life in human dignity and for the accomplishment of other human rights: in particular the right to life, to an adequate standard of living, housing, food, and health. Access to water and sanitation is a sine qua non for the fulfillment of these rights. More 

‘Science must be one of the priorities’

Irina Bokova, takes over as Director-General of UNESCO on 15 November 2009. She writes that 'UNESCO should become the leader and mobilizer of governments, specialized agencies and the scientific community in the field of science, innovation and new technologies, including green technologies, under the slogan  'Science and Technology serving Humanity.’ More 

Water shortage fueling displacement of people in northern Iraq, UNESCO Study finds

Drought and excessive water extraction have driven down aquifer levels in the region, causing a dramatic decline in ancient underground aqueducts, known in Iraq as karez, upon which hundreds of communities depend. More 

World Science Day for Peace and Development: 10 November

Celebrated each year on 10 November, World Science Day for Peace and Development provides an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the contribution science makes to achieving sustainable development and enhancing the prospects for peace. This year, the poster pays tribute to the International Year of Astronomy, which ends in December. More 

"Knowledge and Future": 4th World Science Forum

The World Science Forum got under way on Thursday 5 November. The theme of the forum is a 10-year review of follow-up to the World Conference on Science organized by UNESCO and the International Council for Science (ICSU) in Budapest in 1999. More 

Healthy Oceans: New Key to Combating Climate Change

Towards COP15 Copenhagen
United Nations, Climate Change Conference
Dec 7 - Dec 18, 2009

"Because the ocean has already absorbed 82 percent of the total additional energy accumulated in the planet due to global warming, it is fair to say that the ocean has already spared us from dangerous climate change," says IOC Executive Secretary. More 

Taking a step back

Two coastal biosphere reserves in the United Kingdom and Kenya have decided to help one another adapt to rising sea levels. More

A World of Science,
Vol. 7, N° 4
October - December 2009

The life and death of stars

2009 is the International Year of Astronomy. In the Natural Sciences' quarterly journal, Brazilian astronomer Beatriz Barbuy reveals some of the secrets of the life – and death – of stars, including how to tell their approximate age and what fate lies in store for the Earth as our own Sun ages. More 

Natural Sciences and the General Conference

The SC Commission will consider issues related to the Natural Sciences. 14-16, 20 October 2009 (More) 

The Global Microscience Experiments Project

The Teaching and Learning Packages are made available to you by the Global Microscience Project, developed and promoted by UNESCO via its strong relationships with different non-governmental and intergovernmental organisations world-wide. More

Quick link: http://www.unesco.org/en/microscience

Ministerial Round Table on Ocean Governance

Building stewardship for the ocean: the contribution of UNESCO to responsible ocean governance. More 

Darwin lives!

Charles Darwin turned 200 in February. Happily, the 150th anniversary of his book On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection falls on 24 November of the same year. Darwin’s work remains compelling today, as the evidence that he amassed and analysed and the ideas he generated to explain how evolution works still remain at the core of evolutionary science. UNESCO pays tribute to Darwin in the latest issue of A World of Science p.2 [.pdf] 

UNESCO Member States in the Indian Ocean to test tsunami warning system

Eighteen countries around the Indian Ocean Rim will participate in an ocean-wide tsunami exercise on 14 October to coincide with World Disaster Reduction Day. More 

The UNESCO Strategy for Action on Climate Change

The United Nations System determined that the overwhelming importance of addressing global climate change requires the concerted efforts of the entire System because there is increasing concern that climate change and climate variability could undermine the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals. More 

World Space Week 2009

Since "World Space Week" was established by the United Nations in 1999 - special spacial activities are taking place every year from 4 to 10 October. More 

Islands in a Sea of Change

Towards COP15 Copenhagen
United Nations, Climate Change
Conference
Dec 7 - Dec 18, 2009

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) today face unprecedented challenges. In a globalized and interconnected world subject to changing climatic conditions, small islands are particularly at risk. More

Water and Cultural Diversity: Towards sustainability of water resources and cultures

Water is the essential lifeblood of our planet, with the power to generate, sustain, receive and ultimately unify life. More 

Earth Science Education Initiative for Africa

UNESCO’s recently launched Earth Science Education Initiative for Africa is being developed through a participatory approach beginning with a series of regional workshops in the remaining months of 2009 to encourage participation from a range of different public and private perspectives to clearly document the existing status of education in the Earth Sciences and to advise UNESCO on the development of the Initiative. More 

Refugees of the future will be “climate refugees”

All countries – rich and poor – will have to sit around the same table to find a solution to the problem of climate change, believes the Italian climatologist Filippo Giorgi. Member of IPCC, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Nobel Peace Prize 2007), Mr Giorgi is also the head of the Earth System Physics Section in UNESCO’s International Centre for Theoretical Physics “Abdus Salam” (Trieste, Italy). More

Geoparks, a new strategy: Geology for Development

UNESCO's support for national Geoparks responds to the strong need expressed by the geoscientific community in numerous countries around the world for an international framework of geoconservation to enhance the value of the heritage of the Earth. More 

Ocean information for society: Sustaining the benefits, realizing the potential

Today, the world's oceans are being observed routinely and systematically by means of satellite and in situ techniques. But the global ocean observations system is changing. (More) 

An earthquake occurred on 10th August 2009

A Tsunami watch was in effect for India, Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh and cancelled two hours later. There was no tsunami generated.

9 August: International Day of the World's Indigenous People

Indigenous knowledge of climate change impacts and adaptation. More

The water we eat

The water we drink is less of a problem than the water we eat. Agriculture absorbs 70% of this resource, which is both omnipresent and scarce. More 

150 years of evolution theory

DARWIN Year

2009 is one of the most significant anniversaries in science: it marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin (12 February 1809), and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his book On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. More

"Disaster risk on the rise", says UN Report

Worldwide, disaster risk is increasing for most hazards, says a UN report launched on 8 June at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Moreover, the risk of economic loss from disasters is augmenting much faster than the risk of mortality. More

A World of Science, Vol. 7, No. 3
July - September 2009

Climate change bogeyman in your neighbourhood

Giam Siak Kecil – Bukit Batu, Indonesian site that has just joined the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, will become a “living laboratory” for sustainable development. Solutions for climate change will be devised and tested. More 

UNESCO International Seminar on Climate Change Education

Climate change is a truly global challenge. Experts, in particular coming from Small Islands Developing States, are meeting at UNESCO Paris from 27-29 July 2009. More 

Total Eclipse of the Sun

22 July 2009

With the maximum duration of 6 min 39 s, it is the longest solar eclipse in the 21st century. More

-  International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009)
-  Photo Gallery

We walked on the Moon

On 20 July, it will be 40 years since human beings walked on the Moon. Incredibly, this exploit may well be surpassed this century. More

    -   A World of Science [.pdf]
    -   Photo Gallery

Sandwatch...understanding and protecting the coastal environment

Sandwatch seeks to positively influence the lifestyle and habits of children, youth and adults on a community-wide basis, and to develop awareness of the fragile nature of the marine and coastal environment and the need to use it wisely. More 

The essential is invisible to our eyes...

About 70% of the Earth is covered with water. Imagine not knowing what water is! That is the problem that scientists are now facing with the discovery of dark energy. More 

Biosphere Reserves & World Heritage sites

Sites on the World Heritage List are cultural, natural or mixed properties recognized by the World Heritage Committee as being of outstanding universal value. Biosphere Reserves are 'learning sites for sustainable development' and are internationally recognized within the framework of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. More 

Faites de la Science/Let's do Science (24 June)

On 24 June, UNESCO welcomes the French national forum ‘Faites de la Science’ or ‘Let’s do Science’, which is partnering with a similar initiative in Pondicherry in India.

More

HELP (Hydrology for the Environment, Life and Policy)

HELP is creating a new approach to integrated catchment management through the creation of a framework for water law and policy experts, water resource managers and water scientists to work together on water-related problems.

More

17 June: World Day to Combat Desertification

Efforts to combatting desertification is not only a task for scientists... it must also be stepped up to educate children and students on the role they can play in helping to fight dryland degradation.

More

African Virtual Campus

The African Virtual Campus is one of three flagship projects contributing to the implementation of the Science and Technology Consolidated Plan of Action (CPA) adopted by the African Union in January 2007. More 

World Oceans Day "Our Oceans, Our Responsibility"

The oceans are essential to food security and the health and survival of all life, they power our climate and are a critical part of the biosphere. More

Interview with P. Bernal (Video)
Maud Fontenoy, spokesperson for the oceans (Video)

5 June: 'Your Planet Needs You-UNite to Combat Climate Change'

... is the theme for the World Environment Day 2009. It reflects the urgency for nations to agree on a new deal at the crucial climate convention meeting to be held this year in Copenhagen, and the links with overcoming poverty and improved management of forests. More 

New Biosphere Reserves in the News

Latest news and media coverage on the designation of the 22 new sites for UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves. (More)

New BR sites
Photo Gallery
Video

Waterdependencies: Systems under Stress and Societal Responses

Freshwater is a key resource for human health, prosperity and security. It is as essential to sustainable development as it is to life - and beyond its functions in the hydrological cycle, it has social, economic and environmental values that are interconnected and mutually supportive. (More)

New sites for UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves

The 21st session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB-ICC) is being held from 25 to 29 May 2009 on the Island of Jeju, Republic of Korea. This year the MAB-ICC decided to add 22 new sites from 17 countries to the UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) which now counts (553 sites) in 107 countries.

New BR sites
Photo Gallery
Video

22 May 2009: International Day for Biological Diversity

The theme for the International Day on Biological Diversity in 2009 is invasive alien species - one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, and to the ecological and economic well-being of society and the planet. (More) 

Basic issues in evolution

This year sees the celebration of the bicentenary of Charles Darwin’s birth as well as the 150th anniversary of the publication of his most famous book “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection”. More 

Linking Space to Education

Space studies bring a new dimension to science education. They introduce new knowledge, values and perspectives on the planet Earth and develop better understanding of the universe and beyond. More 

Marine Data Management: we can do more, but can we do better?

The planning and implementation of research, and the efficient management of the resulting data often appear to be two widely separated worlds. Data managers consider the careful collection, management and dissemination of research data as essential for the effective use of research funds. More 

Saving our nearest relatives

One of humanity’s closest relatives, the gorilla, is in danger. Unsustainable development, poaching and war have been decimating one of the only animal species which, like us, can use tools. Nevertheless, UNESCO’s great ape conservation projects have begun to bear fruit in this, the International Year of the Gorilla, 2009. (More)

‘Harmful Algal Bloom’ (HAB)

Phytoplankton blooms, micro-algal blooms, toxic algae, red tides, or harmful algae, are all terms for naturally occurring phenomena. About 300 hundred species of micro algae are reported at times to form mass occurrence, so called blooms. More 

Turn off the lights please!

Each one of us can show more respect towards Mother Nature, by changing his or her lifestyle, believes the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Rajendra Pachauri. A follower of the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam philosophy, who considers the universe like a family, he chairs the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). More 

The crisis can be an opportunity to rethink the global economy

With the financial and economic crisis tightening its grip around the world, many researchers are being galvanized into action. Interview with Jacques Weber, economist, in A World of Science (Vol. 7, No. 2, April-June 2009), UNESCO's quarterly science journal. (More)

100 Hours of Astronomy

For 4 days, from 2 to 5 April 2009, amateur and professional astronomers, students and educators worldwide will share the experience of observing the sky. More 

Natural Sciences in UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development

Six workshops in the areas of water sustainability, climate change, disaster risk reduction, health, biodiversity and biosphere reserves will be held. More 

5th World Water Forum (16 - 22 March 2009, Istanbul, Turkey)

Of all water on the Earth, 97.5% is salt water, and of the remaining 2.5% fresh water, some 70% is frozen in the polar ice caps. The other 30% is mostly present as soil moisture or lies in underground aquifers. More 

22 March: World Water Day 2009

World Water Day 2009, which will be celebrated on Sunday 22 March, will highlight Transboundary Waters. People around the world are encouraged to celebrate the day to draw attention to the challenge of sharing water and opportunities. More 

New report highlights crucial role of water in development

Demand for water has never been as great as it is today, and it will only increase due to population growth and mobility, rising living standards, changes in food consumption, and increased energy production, especially biofuels. These are among the conclusions of the United Nations World Water Development Report 3, presented ahead of the Fifth World Water Forum in Istanbul (Turkey) from 16 to 22 March. More 

Water in a Changing World

Population growth, rising living standards and higher energy needs are among factors putting pressure on water resources, says the UN World Water Development Report 3, presented ahead of the Fifth World Water Forum in Istanbul (Turkey) from 16 to 22 March. More 

Am I in danger ?

Tsunamis can occur at any time, day or night, and they can travel up rivers and streams from the ocean.

All oceanic regions and low lying coastal areas of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Pacific Ocean and its marginal seas, large destructive tsunamis are more frequent because of the many large earthquakes along the Pacific rim. More

Science is at the heart of everyday life

The findings of an international omnibus TNS Worldpanel survey about the perception of science and scientific careers among the general public, conducted within the framework of the partnership between the L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO, were published early this year. The verdict of the survey carried out in 10 countries* is clear: science is today recognized almost unanimously as a key issue in society. More 

UNESCO and L’OREAL celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the creation of the UNESCO-L’OREAL International Fellowships

To ensure the programme’s diversity, every year three Fellows from each of the programme’s five geographic regions – Africa, Arab States, Asia & the Pacific, Europe & North America, and Latin America – are provided with an opportunity to study at top-tier institutions around the world. The programme has recognized a total of 135 women from 71 countries to date. More

10th anniversary : UNESCO-L'OREAL Scientific Fellowships

After launching in 1998, the UNESCO-L'OREAL 'For Women in Science' the two partners decided a year later to support young women to implement a research project in the laboratory of their choice. More 

Climate Change and Arctic Sustainable Development

The Arctic and sub-Arctic regions are home to many indigenous peoples, whose lives will be dramatically affected by the climate-induced environmental changes that are taking place. More 

Five remarkable women scientists to receive 2009 L’ORÉAL-UNESCO Award

The L’ORÉAL-UNESCO Awards For Women in Science - US$100,000 each - recognize five laureates annually, one each from five parts of the world. More 

A Pioneering Programme: More Than 10 Years of Supporting Women in Science

Created in 1998, the L’ORÉAL-UNESCO Awards For Women in Science were established as the first international awards dedicated to women scientists around the world. More 

International Geoscience Programme (IGCP)

The IGCP has brought junior and senior geoscientists together from developing and developed countries over the past 37 years. It is a successful example of scientific co-operation between a non-governmental organization, the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) and an intergovernmental organization, UNESCO. Tens of thousands of scientists have actively taken part in projects. This week the IGCP Scientific Board is holding its annual meeting in UNESCO HQs. More 

Biosphere Reserves

The biosphere reserve (BR) concept has proved its value beyond protected areas and is increasingly embraced by scientists, planners, policy makers and local communities to bring a variety of knowledge, scientific investigations and experiences to link biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development for human well-being. More 

2009 Will Be “The Year of Climate Change”

UNESCO’s actions on climate change are making strides, as part of the overall UN System, described in Action on Climate Change: The UN System Delivering As One More 

2009: Year of the Gorilla

Gorillas and great apes in general play a key role in maintaining the health and diversity of tropical forests, which people depend upon. They disperse seeds throughout the forests, for example, and create light gaps in the forest canopy which allow seedlings to grow and replenish the ecosystem. More 

Launch of UNESCO International Year of Astronomy

The International Year of Astronomy was launched on 15 and 16 January. This United Nations year is a worldwide celebration of astronomy, with activities in almost 140 countries. More

Quick link:
http://www.unesco.org/iya2009

2009 : International Year of Astronomy

The Universe, Yours to Discover

The vision of the IYA2009 is to help the citizens of the world rediscover their place in the Universe through the day-time and night-time sky and thereby engage a personal sense of wonder and discovery. More

Season's Greetings!

The Secretariat of the Natural Sciences Sector of UNESCO wishes you a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year 2009!

2009 will be the International Year of Astronomy... giving us an opportunity to rediscover our place in the Universe through the sky and thereby engage our personal sense of wonder and discovery.
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UNESCO website: IYA2009