It is impossible to foresee all the critical environmental issues of the future. Who could have predicted the depletion of the ozone layer, or the effect of DDT on birds of prey? It is clear that other issues will become increasingly important: the global climate, the supply of safe drinking water, the diversity of living organisms and the potential of the land surface to yield sufficient food and fibre for its population, are examples. GHOST is designed to satisfy both the known needs, and to have sufficient richness and flexibility to adapt to emerging needs. Here is a sample of vital questions which can only be addressed with an integrated global system such as GHOST:
Is the carbon balance of the terrestrial biosphere shrinking or growing? Since this is the major location of the 'missing sink' of global carbon, this question is central to understanding the limits of carbon dioxide emissions under the Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Is the productive potential of arid lands decreasing? The countries of the world have committed themselves to combating desertification. This is a matter of life and death for millions of people.
Is the tundra permafrost melting? If it does, millions of tons of carbon dioxide and methane could be released into the atmosphere, leading to runaway global warming.
How much habitat exists for endangered species? Plant and animal populations are not aware of political boundaries, and must be conserved on a global basis. This is recognised in the Convention on Biodiversity.
How much sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus is flowing from river basins into the coastal zone? This question affects the fisheries on which millions of peopledepend.
