A key benefit of bioenergy for transport and for stationary heat and electricity generation is its potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to replaced fossil fuels. This reduction can be difficult to calculate, given the diverse and complex production and use systems for bioenergy and for the fossil fuels they replace. In order to facilitate emissions comparisons between different bioenergy production systems relative to fossil fuels, the Task Force on GHG Methodologies of the Global Bioenergy Partnership has produced a draft methodological framework intended to be appropriate for use in the lifecycle analysis (LCA) of bioenergy production and use. The framework is intended to provide a template for LCA that

is transparent and that can be applied to a wide range of bioenergy systems.

This paper serves as an input for the thematic, regional and political processes of the 5th World Water Forum and focuses on the challenges related to water, climate change and food security. Recent publications related to the anticipated impacts of climate change on water and agriculture are comprehensive, but a global analysis of specific impacts remains limited. The paper summarizes recent food production and food security trends and provides an overview of how climate change, through impacts on global hydrology, could impact food production, and consequently food security, in some key farming systems. However, as climate change is but one of many drivers of agriculture, climate change impacts need to be appreciated in relation to specific farming systems in order to identify appropriate adaptation measures. The paper highlights key drivers and presents possible responses, emphasizing that the scope of policy response will need to be broad if water institutions are to be effective in coping with climate change.

Momentum and excitement are building around a new process, know as the GCARD, which will lead to a major reform in the way we approach the generation and use of agricultural knowledge in development. The GCARD 2010 is organized by the Global Forum on Agricultural Research, a multi-stakeholder platform hosted by FAO and recognized by the G8 L’Aquila statement as central to the reform of agricultural research systems around the world. The GCARD is using innovative methods to engage partners from all sectors of agriculture in creating demand driven research and innovation systems that can better meet the needs of the poor. A series of regional consultations, which are open to all who wish to participate, will precede the Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development 2010 (GCARD2010), which will be held in Montpellier, France, 28-31 March 2010.

Rome, 16 of October 2009 – On World Food Day the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and the Youth and United Nations Global Alliance (YUNGA) will officially launch the Food Security and Climate Change Challenge Badge. At FAO Headquarters in Rome, school children, Girl Guide and Scout groups and other participants will be introduced to the badge, which will motivate children and young people to learn about climate change and food security issues and inspire them to take action to reduce their foot print and impact on the environment. By completing the badge, youth around the world will become engaged in environmental work in their local communities. The badge is available to the 10 million WAGGGS members, other youth groups and schools all over the world and can be undertaken by anyone aged five to 20 years old.

This AQUASTAT report presents the most recent information available on water availability and its use in the 18 countries and territories in the Middle East region, with an emphasis on agricultural water use and management. It contains the relevant tablesand maps, and a regional synopsis emphasizing the subregional characteristics of thislarge and diverse region. It also analyses the changes that have occurred since the first survey in 1997. Finally it gives a more detailed description of four transboundary river basins in the region, highlighting the different levels of cooperation and the agreements between countries located in the same river basin: the Euphrates–Tigris River Basin, the Kura–Araks River Basin, the Asi–Orontes River Basin and the Jordan River Basin.