The proposed Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) (Nature 465, 525; 2010) should be part of a broader complementary system of scientific input. This would help to coordinate data that fall under the remit of multiple international environmental agencies and agreements. And it would minimize the risks of duplication in scientific review and reporting.

A global consultation of scientists and others, coordinated by DesertNet International and the United Nations Institute for Water, Environment and Health (http://www.desertnet-international.org), has suggested that an equivalent intergovernmental science-policy panel for land and water issues is needed. Otherwise, important independent questions are likely to be absorbed by the scientific bodies that advise on climate change and biodiversity loss.

Crucial matters may not receive the policy attention they deserve if solely addressed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the proposed IPBES. Examples are the impacts of trends in population growth and demographic bulges; food and energy insecurity; migration; and 'land and water grabbing' by wealthy foreign companies in developing nations.