Chief Scientst, The World Bank

Note to readers The UN Millennium Project Task Force on Environmental Sustainability has commissioned a series seven topical issue papers to provide background information and evidence to lead up to our recommendations for how governments can address problems related to environmental degradation. The mission of the UN Millennium Project, and our task force, is to develop a framework action plan that will be useful to policymakers and environmental managers alike in working towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The final report of this task force, Environment and Human Well-being: A Practical Strategy, is available on the Millennium Project websit