UNEP Year Book

What are the potential impacts of the large amounts of plastic that find their way into the ocean? Are we using phosphorus wisely in agriculture? This 8th edition of the UN Environment Programme flagship report examines these global issues and provides the science in a policy-relevant context.

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The United Nations Environment programme Year Book 2011 examines global emerging issues and highlights major environmental events and developments over the past year. It also presents the most recent data and indicator trends, providing the latest environmental science. The Year Book demonstrates that plastic debris in the ocean can transport toxic substances which may end up in the food chain, causing potential harm to the ecosystem and human health. It also explores the wider impact of the use of phosphorus in food production. In addition, it suggests that halting loss of forest biodiversity is essential if forests are-adapt to mounting pressures, including climate change and pest outbreaks. Year Book shows how cutting edge science reveals new opportunities to mitigate climate change while improving air quality.