This volume-GE0-1- is the first product of the
GEO Project. It provides a snapshot of a process in
the making and aims to move the process along by
documenting its progress. The principal focus of
GE0-1 is a review of major environmental issues
from regional perspectives, and an initial evaluation
of some existing and a few promising policy responses
that address regional priority concerns. It
also takes a first glimpse at the future using quantitative
analysis techniques. Chapter 2 1ook.s at existing key regional State of the
Environment reports, action plans, and sectoral reports.
It provides a global synthesis of the primary
regional environmental problems, the driving forces
behind them, and emerging concerns. The issues are
analysed against a background of existing development
patterns and objectives, operating policies.
practices, and institutions. Chapter 3 takes the first step in forging the link between assessment and policy. It presents the outcome of regional policy and assessment consultations conducted as part of the GEO Project. Chapter 4 explores the future to the year 2015
and beyond using a model-based approach, assuming
that no major policy or institutional changes will
take place. For a selected number of topics, it attempts quantitative analyses of changes in environmental
and socio-economic factors and their interlinkages.