Report assesses the state of Earth’s tropical zone

Science : The first in-depth, objective assessment of Earth’s tropical zone has been published by a collaboration among 12 tropical research institutions. The tropical zone is defined as the area centered on the equator between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. According to the report , the region has been experiencing rapid population and economic growth. In fact, by 2050 half the world’s population may live there. Yet investment in R&D still lags behind that of the rest of the world. Global warming, too, will present challenges, as rising temperatures cause the region to expand toward the poles and force plant and animal species to relocate. The report’s authors note that while some advances have been made, significant biodiversity and socioeconomic risks continue to exist and will have to be addressed.