The disgraceful lack of control and study of the Alberta tar sands exploitation is leading to people's health problems. As the US considers its imports from Canada, it would be wise to consider just how neglectful the Canadians have been to their residents, air quality, water purity and forests.

The study of human relatives goes far beyond the simian primates, but this species is the smallest and probably the most unique of all our closer relatives. It’s also American, which brings genomics into the New World for the first time as far as monkeys are concerned.

We have ideas and giant international conferences coming up, on how to combat global warming and specifically what we can do with greenhouse gases. It could be, though, that some of the jokers in the pack are simply sequestering while Rome burns. After all, their employment depends on maintaining the coal, oil, gas and even fracking industries. Maybe replacing these industries with renewable energy technologies would use different engineers and spoil the party for many profitable companies?

How prepared is the earth for disasters in both advanced urban and primitive wilderness areas of any country? Do we need to prepare people or will the present situation be allowed to continue, no matter how ridiculous it appears?

When we grow, the incredible result is often poverty and pollution. The corrections needed in our world mean we have to stop behaving as if we have the resources of 5 plants or even just 3. This is only "One Earth" and we must adjust accordingly - and immediately.

Are you interested in ''how cities can contribute to the advancement of sustainable development and address issues including water, energy and waste?'' Think you could write 500-600 words on the topic?