The world can only achieve global prosperity by combining economic and environmental goals, according to scientists writing for the journal Nature. They say world leaders should set goals around an end to food and water shortages, universal clean energy, healthy and productive ecosystems, and thriving livelihoods. The article argues that it is no longer enough to pursue the millennium development goals, agreed to in 2000 but running out in 2015, to alleviate poverty. Instead, government should combine these goals with global environment targets to create new "sustainable development goals." "Humans are transforming the planet in ways that could undermine any development gains. Mounting research shows that the stable functioning of Earth systems–including the atmosphere, oceans, forests, waterways, biodiversity and biogeochemical cycles–is a prerequisite for a thriving global society," writes one of the scientists. For the full story, see http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/mar/21/nations-urged-combine-environmental-development-goals.