Rapid Response Assessments

In response to increasing urgency in the need for targeted and acute information on the environment, GRID-Arendal has initiated a special report series - Rapid Response Assessments (RRA). In principle, a Rapid Response team is compiled based on the specific demands in each case, selected upon their expertise worldwide in the required field. The reports are delivered within anything from weeks to months depending on the issue and task involved, covering all fields from marine to terrestrial using the latest scientific, model and satellite information brought together with direct field investigations anywhere, anytime - and undergo rigorous peer review prior to release. The reports have so far gained substantial ground, policy and media impact and are characterized by clear messages on critical issues, graphics and limited text.

Available titles

Khaidarkan Mercury - Addressing primary mercury mining in Kyrgyzstan UNEP and UNITAR are pleased to present to you this overview document outlining the situation regarding the world’s last known exporting mercury mine – at Khaidar- kan in southern Kyrgyzstan. For the past two years, sig- nifcant efforts have been taking place at the international level to assist the Government of Kyrgyzstan and national and local stakeholders to consider options regarding the future of the mine and its associated infrastructure.	Blue Carbon - The Role of Healthy Oceans in Binding Carbon A new Rapid Response Assessment report released 14 October 2009 at the Diversitas Conference, Cape Town Conference Centre, South Africa. Compiled by experts at GRID-Arendal and UNEP in collaboration with the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the UNESCO International Oceanographic Commissions and other institutions, the report highlights the critical role of the oceans and ocean ecosystems in maintaining our climate and in assisting policy makers to mainstream an oceans agenda into national and international climate change initiatives
The Natural Fix? The Role of Ecosystems in Climate Mitigation A rapid response assessment report released by UNEP to mark World Environment Day 2009 indicates that boosting investments in conservation, restoration and management of natural ecosystems will not only become important, but will provide our best and most effective way to slow down climate change and accelerate sustainable development and the achievement of the poverty-related Millennium Development Goals.	The Environmental Food Crisis The Environment's Role in Averting Future Food Crises A new rapid response assessment report released by UNEP warns that up to 25% of the world’s food production may become lost due to environmental breakdown by 2050 unless action is taken.
In Dead Water Merging of Climate Change With Pollution, Over-Harvest, and Infestations in the World's Fishing Grounds A rapid response report that maps the multiple and combined impacts of pollution; alien infestations; over-exploitation and climate change on the seas and oceans.	The Last Stand of the Orangutan State of Emergency: Illegal Logging, Fire and Palm Oil in Indonesia's National Parks The survival of orangutans and other rain forest wildlife in Indonesia is seriously endangered by illegal logging, forest fires including those associated with the rapid spread of oil palm plantations, illegal hunting and trade.
Our Precious Coasts Marine pollution, climate change and the resilience of coastal ecosystems The ability of coral reefs to survive in a globally-warming world may crucially depend on the levels of pollution to which they are exposed, new findings indicate.