1744

Desertification already affects up to 200 million people. Climate change means that within 10 years, it could drive 50 million more people from their homes (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) (© Science AP / Reporters)

1745

Water use has increased sixfold during the 20th century – twice the rate of population growth. Secure sources of water will be ‘potent fuel for war’ – United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. (© : Scagnetti / Reporters)

1746

The percentage of ocean covered by ice is shrinking by 8 per cent per decade. Within about 60 years, there will be no summer ice at all on the Arctic ocean. (The United States National Snow and Ice Data Center) (© : Scagnetti / Reporters)

1747

Energy has already been at the root of several conflicts. And the International Energy Agency predicts a rise in global energy demand of between 50 and 60 per cent by 2030. (© : Roger-Viollet / Reporters)

1748

‘There has been increasing interest by terrorists in acquiring nuclear weapons. I cannot say 100 per cent that it hasn’t happened already.’ Mohamed ElBaradei, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, 2005. (© : AP / Reporters)

1749

International cyber spying is the single biggest threat for enterprise in 2008. Cybercrime is no longer just a threat to industry and individuals, but increasingly to national security. McAfee Virtual Criminology Report 2007 (with input from NATO). (© : SHAPE)