A new intergovernmental panel would not be the best way of tackling the multifaceted challenges of sustainable development.

Science journalists must help to root out misleading scientific claims, but not without sensitivity to culture and the limitations of science.

Yet more failure to make much progress on climate change in Durban means that developing countries must exert stronger political pressure.

Next year's Rio+20 meeting must put science-based innovation at the heart of the development agenda. But the real battle will be political.

The Horn of Africa drought exposes the continuing gap between our ability to predict disaster and to take effective humanitarian action.

Biosafety is important, but so is ensuring that GM crops benefit the rural poor and that decisions are based on sound science.

The world still needs nuclear power — but it must be safer and more transparent.

Recent protests over food prices underline a key message from a new report about the potential dangers of neglecting agricultural research.

The modest achievements of last week's climate talks in Mexico must not create a false sense of complacency.

Last month's Nagoya summit on biodiversity reached some important agreements. The challenge is to ensure that they are fully implemented.

Policymakers need better information about the regional impact of climate change on water supplies, and on ways of adapting to it.

Delivering on its 'science for development' promises will help the Obama administration regain trust within the developing world.

Integrating modern and traditional medicine requires breaking down the legal and regulatory barriers that disadvantage the poor.

Politicians won't act to conserve biodiversity unless they have strong evidence that it is an effective strategy for combating global poverty.

Even focused research will not deliver agricultural progress unless donors also help join up links in the development chain.

Indian biotechnologists need to engage GM critics with openness and honesty to win public support.

Communicating why biodiversity loss matters for people is essential for reversing it.

Science can help design strategies to tackle malnutrition. The challenge is turning this knowledge into action.

There were many regrets after the climate conference but it did reveal the new political setting within which climate change must be fought.

Satellites can save lives from natural disasters but developing countries risk missing the opportunity through poor political support.