Editorial

The first of our articles in this issue of Tiempo focuses on Cuba. Mercedes Menéndez González and Antonio Sarmiento Sera describe current activities in Cuba intended to maximize the island's substantial renewable energy capabilities. They present a summary of projects underway relating to the implementation of photovoltaic solar and wind energy installations across the country.

Saleemul Huq and Hannah Reid present the results of a study that assessed the role that local communities have in the climate change policy making process. They conclude that people have a vital role in providing information and assessments that must be integrated into any analysis if policy making is to be effective.

Kalipada Chatterjee presents a discussion of the measures necessary for developing countries to successfully cope with climate change. He emphasizes that the cost-effectiveness of adaptation as a complement to mitigation efforts makes it the most beneficial strategy to pursue for developing countries and outlines different tools for its implementation.

Bo Döös discusses the conclusions from an examination of the type of policies needed to ensure food security in developing countries without unnecessary loss of natural resources. He outlines two approaches for their implementation and concludes that policies aimed at other global issues, that also contribute indirectly to improving food security, would obviously be the more appropriate choice.

Finally, in recognition of the importance of water for human survival we continue our presentation of news of projects and events surrounding this International Year of Freshwater.