UNEP Global Environmental Alert Service (GEAS) is a mechanism for identifying, selecting and communicating early warning information on emerging issues to decision makers on a regular basis across UNEPs focus areas. The Global Environmental Alert Service continuously scans the scientific literature, analyses results of earth observations and other data sources to produce widely distributed alerts, focusing on policy relevant environmental hotspots, environmental science, and near real-time environmental hazards in an easily understandable format. It takes the pulse of the planet and enhances UNEPs ability to provide regular, science based updates to its member states and the international community on the status and trends of the global environment.