This multidisciplinary English language journal puts into perspective significant developments in environmental research, policy and related activities, for an international readership of specialists, generalists, students, decision-makers and interested laymen. Founded in 1972, the year of the first UN Conference on the Environment, AMBIO addresses the scientific, social, economic, and cultural factors that influence the condition of the human environment. The broad scope of coverage extends to ecology, environmental economics, geology, geochemistry, geophysics, paleontology, hydrology, water resources, oceanography, earth sciences, meteorology, and physical geography. AMBIO is widely recognized as an important international forum for debate. Authors are advised to check or latest Instructions for Authors as these area updated regularly. Parties interested in issues (print and/or online) published prior to 2010 and requests for permissions prior to 2010 should be directed to: Bo Söderström (E-mail: bo.soderstrom@ambio.kva.se)