Joe Alcamo, who was the first person to introduce me to the concept of virtual water (and who is a very smart thinker about water, climate and sustainability in general), has just been appointed the first Chief Scientist of the United Nations Environment Program.

Given the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to integrating innovation in development with a respect for planetary boundaries, having someone like Joe at UNEP can only be a very good thing for all of us. Congratulations, Joe!