do polluted waters affect the livelihood of fisherfolk? Are farmers devastated when their land degrades? The answer, quite obviously, is yes. But scientific evidence that can confirm such linkages and impel governments to act is extremely weak. This was finally admitted by 195 of the world's top scientists and policymakers when they convened in Nairobi from January 14-15, 2004.

They had gathered under the auspices of the world's apex environment body