ENERGY TECHNOLOGY PERSPECTIVES 2008: SCENARIOS AND STRATEGIES TO 2050. International Energy Agency, 6 June 2008. The world needs ever increasing energy supplies to sustain economic growth and development. But energy resources are under pressure and CO2 emissions from today’s energy use already threaten our climate. What options do we have for switching to a cleaner and more efficient energy future? How much will it cost? And what policies do we need? This second edition of Energy Technology Perspectives addresses these questions, drawing on the renowned expertise of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and its energy technology network. This publication responds to the G8 call on the IEA to provide guidance for decision makers on how to bridge the gap between what is happening and what needs to be done in order to build a clean, clever and competitive energy future. The IEA analysis demonstrates that a more sustainable energy future is within our reach, and that technology is the key. Increased energy efficiency, CO2 capture and storage, renewables, and nuclear power will all be important. We must act now if we are to unlock the potential of current and emerging technologies and reduce the dependency on fossil fuels with its consequent effects on energy security and the environment. Energy Technology Perspectives 2008 provides detailed technology and policy insights to help focus the discussion and debate in energy circles. For further information, please refer to http://www.iea.org/Textbase/publications/free_new_Desc.asp?PUBS_ID=2012.
THE OECD-FAO AGRICULTURAL OUTLOOK 2008-2017. OECD-FAO, 29 May 2008. The Agricultural Outlook 2008-2017 presents the latest forecasts of trends and prices of farm products and assesses the challenges and uncertainties ahead. It looks at how the recent sharp rises in commodity prices will affect the world’s poorest countries and investigates such issues as the increased demand for biofuels and how the major developing countries are shaping the future of world agricultural trade. This Outlook was prepared in a period when agricultural and food prices have risen to record-high levels, at least in nominal terms. The report discusses the reasons for these price hikes and finds that some are of a temporary nature, notably adverse weather conditions in some key producing countries and regions, while others are likely to prove more durable. The Outlook concludes that prices are unlikely to be sustained at current high levels and that farmers around the world will respond by boosting plantings and increasing supplies, with a return to more normal growing conditions in the main producing regions. For further information, please refer to http://www.oecd.org/document/32/0,3343,en_36774715_36775671_40444896_1_1_1_1,00.html