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Science and Development Network
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Definitions
S
Subsidiary body
A committee that assists the conference of the parties. Two permanent ones are defined by the Convention on Climate Change: the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA).
Sulphate Aerosol
Particulate matter that consists of compounds of sulphur formed by the interaction of sulphur dioxide and sulphur trioxide with other compounds in the atmosphere. Sulphate aerosols are injected into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and the eruption of volcanoes like Mt. Pinatubo. Recent theory suggests that sulphate aerosols may lower the earth's temperature by reflecting away solar radiation (a process known as negative radiative forcing). Global Climate Models (q.v.) which incorporate the effects of sulphate aerosols more accurately predict global temperature variations.
Information Services
Missed the Global Health Forum 2009?
Our blog, by SciDev.Net columnist Priya Shetty, will fill you in, as will our interview with the Global Forum's Gill Samuels
Clean cooperation
Countries must cooperate to develop clean technologies. Joint technology innovation centres can help
Just add water
Policymakers must improve water storage to help developing countries adapt to climate change
A climate for disease?
Will climate change worsen the burden of insect-borne disease? The scientific jury is still out
