January 19, 2006 Millennium Assessment Study Released
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment study, published by Island Press, was released at a January 19, 2006 press conference. Heinz Center President Thomas Lovejoy moderated and participated in a four-member panel at the National Press Club highlighting the study results. Other panelists were Dr. Walter Reid, Director of the Millennium Assessment and a professor at Stanford University; Dr. Stephen Carpenter, Professor of Zoology at the University of Wisconsin; and Dr. Prabhu Pingali, Director of the Agricultural and Development Economics Division of the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization in Italy.
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) is a vast, ground-breaking study of the state of the world’s ecosystems. Over 1,300 scientists and 180 countries participated in the study, making it the largest international assessment of ecosystems to date. Linking human well-being with the health of the planet, it is also the first global study to examine how the environment affects people.
Although the MA does not contain specific policy recommendations, contributors hope the findings will be a useful tool for policymakers as they face environmental challenges and inevitable tough decisions. “Globalization requires a global assessment of the ecological underpinnings of human well-being,” said Lovejoy. Depending on overall response and demand, the assessment may be repeated every five to ten years.
Launched by the United Nations in 2001, the assessment culminated in 2005 with a four-volume set of findings and conclusions. Heinz Center President Thomas Lovejoy and Vice President Anthony Janetos are among the authors. Funding for the project was provided by foundations, governments, and non-governmental organizations.
For more information visit www.millenniumassessment.org