The report presents a global overview and also directs a spotlight onto two or three key issues that are considered paramount in each of the seven regional arenas under each of eight environmental themes in turn: land, forests, biodiversity, freshwater, coastal and marine areas, atmosphere, urban areas and disasters. Analysing the most up-to-date and reliable information on these issues reveals the critical trends during the 30-year period - critical trends about the environment, and about the impacts that environmental change have had on people. Perhaps even more importantly, it highlights the evolution of environmental policy responses that society has (or sometimes has not) put in place to ensure environmental security and sustainability. Sustainable development rests on three pillars - society, economy and environment.