Stronger links between scientific tools and the environment in which they operate can improve the effectiveness of early warning.

A pledge to increase support for biodiversity targets in developing countries is welcome, but care for indigenous people is vital too.

A consultation with science policy stakeholders in Asia–Pacific throws up tensions between research priorities that link to science governance.

A greater commitment to multidisciplinary research, and to local problem solving, is essential to achieving future development goals.

Last week's summit has confirmed that sustainable development will only be achieved through the political leadership of developing countries.

The message from Rio+20 is for practical action to deliver existing targets. Scientists must identify and overcome barriers to change.

The launch of a discussion website about the Rio+20 agenda raises questions about effective management for a successful outcome.

Efforts to promote sustainable development must tap into technologies developed locally, driven by community needs and priorities.

A meeting in London this week will show whether science can not only diagnose our environmental crisis but also provide effective solutions.

Management of marine resources for sustainable development needs local capacity for science, particularly in the Pacific region.

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

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 Fukushima accident raised questions that must be addressed by developing countries considering nuclear energy.

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

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.

Poor communications, not science, caused the IPCC's 'Climategate' debacle. Despite this, it must keep the doors open between journalists and researchers.