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The cities of the 21st century are the largest sites of human settlement today and are increasingly acting as critical nexus points of social, economic, ecological and technological change. This is especially evident in the developing world city context, where growth is most rapid and where future sustainability challenges will be most severe - all this in the light of growing inequalities, poverty and the pervasiveness of slums and informality. This publication presents a rationale for socially inclusive urban transitions to sustainable growth and draws on a range of case studies and theoretical and analytical considerations to establish the basis of the argument. It outlines practical steps that cities can take towards resource efficiency, including: the integration social measures into urban development; governance approaches that engage local communities and civil society groups; financial incentives and subsidies for green technologies; technology transfer; and innovation.

This joint study by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlights that the transformation to a greener economy could generate 15 to 60 million additional jobs globally over the next two decades and lift tens of millions of workers out of poverty. The report documents evidence that for countries at all levels of development the drive towards environmental sustainability and greener economies is gaining momentum. The study indicates that job growth has been particularly strong in the renewable energy sector, with a global increase of 21 per cent annum. As a result, the sector now employs close to 5 million workers; more than double the number employed only a few years ago.

Part of the Human Development Report 2007/2008 by the UNDP, this document conducts a vulnerability assessment of fisheries in Ecuador, including both social and climate related issues. An analysis of the impact of el Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is included, as well as potential adaptation responses.

This publication explores current global security issues, their development in west Africa and their potential impact on regional stability. It takes a close look at issues such as terrorism and trafficking, climate change and the links between security and development. The publication draws attention to the risk of oversimplified analyses and biased perceptions of security risks. It also highlights the need for coordinated policies and dialogue between west Africa, north Africa and the OECD countries.

Advances in information and communication technologies are disrupting traditional models of scholarly publishing, radically changing our capacity to reproduce, distribute, control, and publish information. The key question is whether there are new opportunities and new models for scholarly publishing that would better serve researchers and better communicate and disseminate research findings. Identifying access and efficiency limitations under the subscription publishing model, this paper explores the potential impacts of enhanced access to research outputs. It introduces ‘accessibility’ and ‘efficiency’ parameters into calculating returns to Research and Development (R&D). The authors conclude that there may be substantial benefits to be gained from more open access to research findings.

Rapid economic growth in India during the last two decades has accentuated the demand for energy and natural resources related to water, land and forests. Based on a review of the current policy framework in these areas and data from fieldwork in the northeastern region of India, this paper addresses two inter-related themes: (i) how emerging economies like India have dealt with the question of access to resources in response to the opposing demands of inclusive growth and social divides; and (ii) the specific case study of the 'Green Mission' and hydroelectric power (HEP) dams on the river Teesta in India’s northeastern Himalayan region.

This report ‘scopes’ how DFID Research could take forward an open access policy that will lead to greater public access to the research outputs it finances. It provides a snapshot of the current situation across a wide range of situations. The report is based on a series of face to face and electronic exchanges with people involved in research access and communication. It also draws on the large online literature and debate. Five major justifications for DFID Research to push open access to research results are presented: open access reinforces the free circulation of knowledge; open access is an empowering strategy for researchers and others in developing countries; open access can increase the potential for uptake and use of research outputs; open access cuts such subscription barriers; and open access will help DFID itself to make use of the research it has financed.

This report is prepared to bring to the attention of decision and policy makers that ICT, in particular green ICT, has an important role to play in stimulating economic activities, advancing social development goals and promoting sustainable development. In this report, “Green and cool ICT” is defined as ICT which, as a result of usage, produce comparatively low levels of carbon emissions while having the potential to exponentially reduce emissions in other areas by catalyzing technological, institutional and behavioral change, while bringing forth socio-economic benefits.