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Definitions

Below is a directory of terms used in the debate about climate change and insect-borne disease. Most of the terms have been reproduced from the WHO, US Environment Protection Agency, the UN University Institute of Advanced Studies, the Center for International Forestry Research, and the Meridian Institute.

Climate change is the greatest challenge facing the world today. Long-term development planning must now include measures to deal with it.

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P

Particulate matter

Small particles of matter such as dust and soot that are suspended in the air. Particulate matter is emitted from sources such as motor vehicles, some industrial processes and forest fires.

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Flickr/Nazir Amin

Science for oceans

Our Spotlight examines how countries can make better use of scientific tools for sustainable management of marine resources
Flickr/d0ug&r0byn

Ocean knowledge

The facts and figures on 20 years of ocean monitoring progress — but also continuing challenges

Guardian Network

SciDev.Net is part of the Guardian’s network of the world’s best environmental websites
Local Kubulau youth with a giant trevally

Balancing act

Science and tradition are coming together in Fiji to help locals conserve their marine resources
Buoys gather real-time data that feed into ocean hazard warnings and rescue missions : NOAA

Buoy vandals

Countries must step up measures against damage of data buoys that puts early warning systems at risk

Reuters AlertNet

SciDev.Net is part of the AlertNet news network: providing news to aid workers around the world
Participatory mapping in Uganda - Flickr/ILRI

Mapping locally

With a little help, communities can use technology to build local knowledge of climate change risks
Men with a solar panel in Tanzania - Flickr/PRI's The World

Electrifying Africa

An African solar research network is aiming high
Asia–Pacific Analysis

Be prepared

Devastation from typhoons and floods will only increase unless South-East Asian governments start planning now

Man walking through a flooded ricefield by Flickr/ World Bank Photo Collection

Agriculture after Durban

This policy brief outlines how science can help improve policies for agricultural adaptation and mitigation
Engineers - Flickr/Engineering at Cambridge

Forgotten engineers

The role of engineering in shaping sustainable development is being forgotten, say engineers
Cooling towers by Flickr/PaulO

Weighing up nuclear energy

Our Spotlight examines lessons emerging from Fukushima for developing countries in pursuit of nuclear power

Solar spotlight

A collection of articles that asks how solar power can improve access to electricity for the rural poor

Forests for climate

Will proposals to compensate countries for reducing forest emissions work?