The number and extent of roads will expand dramatically this century. Globally, at least 25 million kilometres of new roads are anticipated by 2050; a 60% increase in the total length of roads over that in 2010. Nine-tenths of all road construction is expected to occur in developing nations, including many regions that sustain exceptional biodiversity and vital ecosystem services.

In recent years the underlying drivers of tropical deforestation have shifted profoundly, prompting conservationists to reassess their strategies for protecting forests. Those in the tropical timber industry need to think hard and fast about these new realities. If they fail to do so, they will increasingly be considered part of the forest-conservation problem, rather than part of the solution.

Many biofuels are associated with lower greenhouse gas emissions but have greater aggregate environmental costs than gasoline.

The United States is the world's leading producer of soy. However many U.S. farmers are shifting from soy to corn in order to qualify for generous government subsidies intended to promote biofuel production. The rising price for soy has important consequences for Amazonian forests and savanna woodlands. (Letters)