STWR - Share The World's Resources

Carbon markets are failing to protect the environment by allowing rich countries to "buy their way out" of emissions cuts. If carbon trading continues, the amount of credits available must reflect scientific evidence rather than political and economic expediency, writes Rachel Godfrey Wood.

Climate change is already claiming 300,000 lives and costing the global economy $125bn every year. International cooperation is crucial to tackling the catastrophe - especially since the countries most at risk are the least responsible for the crisis. A report by the Global Humanitarian Forum.

Many high-profile environmentalists limit their agendas to solutions within current social and economic parameters. Yet systemic changes to the global economy are required if meaningful solutions to biodiversity loss and environmental exploitation are to be reached, argues Michael Barker.

The relentless pursuit of economic growth promotes the unsustainable consumption patterns that underpin the climate crisis. Only a clearer understanding of the causes and greater public engagement can finally urge governments to act on climate change, argues Rajesh Makwana.

Many governments are elected on platforms promising to address climate change, but fail to implement meaningful environmental policies once in office. Can this be explained by human psychology - and will it take a local climate catastrophe for them to finally act, asks Chris Goodall.

Researchers predict that the number of people affected by climate disasters will double by 2015. Our current capacity to respond to emergencies could be completely overwhelmed – unless governments acknowledge and respond to the growing threat, warns a report by Oxfam.

It is hubris to downgrade the culpability of the rich world's environmental footprint because generations of poor people not yet born might one day get to be as rich and destructive as us. Overpopulation is not driving environmental destruction; overconsumption is, argues Fred Pearce.