This is the third year that WRI has invited members of the press to join us and discuss some of the interesting stories and trends to watch for in the coming year. This year, I asked two of WRI's board members to tell me what they think will be key environmental issues in 2006. Both targeted climate change. I think they have it exactly right.

In 2005, the Amazon, the world's greatest rainforest, experienced the worst drought in recorded history while Central America, Florida, and the Gulf Coast were devastated by massive storms. 2006 will be a year of climate change awakening in many parts of the world. -- Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Former President of Brazil

With the onset of catastrophic storms, new melting of polar ice caps and other SOS signals from Mother Nature, environmental concerns are once again rising across the nation. Fortunately, there are signs that leaders in various fields are beginning to recognize the urgency and are willing to work together on solutions. The challenge for political leaders is whether they can seize this moment to fashion a bi-partisan public agenda during the campaigns of 2006 and especially 2008. -- David Gergen, Political commentator and Editor-at-Large, US News & World Report