Editorials in 2010

The sea floor is emerging as a source of carbon to the overlying ocean. Scientific exploration of the sea bed is essential for a full understanding of the global carbon budget and the safety of deep-sea carbon storage proposals.

Mitigation of climate change is increasingly being portrayed as technologically feasible, if only political support was adequate. But there are good reasons to be unsure.

Geophysical analyses of the 2010 Haiti earthquake suggest that there is still potential for seismic activity in the region. Building a more resilient country is the only option.

The deep ocean is largely uncharted territory. The aftermath of the BP oil spill has been a poignant reminder that its relative inaccessibility hinders exploration, but does not extend much protection from human interference.

The foundation of the marine food web is faltering, according to a century-long data set.

Mining could provide a steady stream of income for Afghanistan. But the mere promise of a stable economy does not justify all sacrifices.

The 2009 L'Aquila earthquake illustrates catastrophic shortcomings in the flow of information between scientists and the public.

Climate science at the University of East Anglia is sound but lacking in transparency, according to the three official reports. But making data accessible will not be sufficient to guard against future attacks.

Thomson Reuters has released its 2009 journal impact factors. We thank all our authors, referees and readers for their continuing trust and support.

Two environmental disasters in April 2010 have ranked high on the public agenda. The coming months will clarify the extent of the damage, and demand Earth scientists' expertise.

The world's soils are under pressure from climate change and population growth. Investors' interest is surging, but scientists have yet to pay soils due tribute.

Unlike accountants, scientists need to store their data forever. This expanding task requires dedication, expertise and substantial funds.

Online publishing has blurred the boundary between accepted and published articles.

Taxpayer-funded scientific research carries with it the responsibility to communicate to the general public its relevance in an accessible, open and inspirational manner. The HiRISE project that steers a camera on Mars admirably achieves this aim.

Indonesia's tsunami-warning system is scheduled to enter full operational mode by March 2010. The sooner it runs, the better: the threat of a tsunamigenic earthquake in the region is still imminent.

Arsenic contamination of groundwater affects millions of people in southern Asia. Water from deep wells could help, but only if used in moderation.

Self-censorship of private scientific e-mail-exchanges cannot be the solution to the threat from hackers.