The purpose of this document, then, is to build on these past efforts to provide easily accessible background information on past trends and possible future change in Australia, our region Our focal questions What social, economic and environmental factors could bring about major change in Australian landscapes, lifestyles and livelihoods over the next 25 years and beyondΓ What research challenges do these possibilities raiseΓ and the world. It is not comprehensive and it provides only some of the insights and opinions that are possible. We hope, however, that it will encourage readers to think more broadly about the factors that might determine the future and to imagine for themselves what challenges could emerge. This brings us to our second purpose. Imagining future challenges is one thing, but thinking about what might be needed to prepare us for them is another. We have made some suggestions about where research and development is needed to address plausible future challenges. We hope you will give us your views as well.