Energy crises are growing from New Zealand to New York; Europe and America face one of their hottest summers on record; Australia struggles to deal with water shortages; and the debate on climate change continues to rage.
With issues of global sustainability ever present in the media, Auckland is about to become the focus for an international summit to address the questions of how to respond.
Delegates from China, Austria, South Africa, Australia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, the United States, Canada, UK and New Zealand will meet at the Aotea Centre from 27-30 August for the inaugural Digital Earth Summit on Sustainability.
Among the guest speakers are author and urban planning advocate James Kunstler and Dr Amory Lovins, who will¬ be speaking to delegates via video link-up from the Rocky Mountain Institute in the US.
New Zealand authorities on sustainability will also be presenting, including Commissioner for the Environment Dr Morgan Williams and Ann Magee, chair of the Local Government Sustainability Group.
The summit's aim is to assist industry, government, research and IT leaders to better use environmental data already available for addressing goals of sustainability.
Registrations for the summit are still being accepted through the Digital Earth New Zealand website: www.digitalearth.org.nz.